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LAYS   OF  THE  GOSPEL 


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V" 


LAYS  U  MAR  22  1934 


* 


OF 


THE    GOSPEL. 


BY 


S.   G.  BULFINCH 


"Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the  branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of 
itself,  except  it  abide  in  the  vine ;  no  more  can  ye,  except  ye  abide 
in  me."  —  John  xv.  4. 


BOSTON: 
J  A  M  £  S    M  U  N  R  O  E    AND    CO  M  P  A  N Y  . 

M  DCCC  XLV. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1844,  by 

S.   G.   BULFINCH, 

in  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


BOSTON: 

PRINTED    BY    THURSTON,    TORRY    AND    CO. 

31  Devonshire  Street. 


PREFACE. 


This  book  was  at  first  undertaken  as  an  enlarged  edition 
of  a  small  work  which  I  published  several  years  since,  under 
the  title,  "  Contemplations  of  the  Saviour."  In  the  course 
of  execution,  however,  the  plan  has  been  gradually  changed  ; 
and  in  this  volume,  nothing  remains  uf  the  former  one,  but 
a  partial  resemblance  in  the  arrangement  of  the  scriptural 
subjects,  and  a  few  of  the  original  pieces,  mostly  in  an 
altered  form. 

The  idea  I  have  had  in  view,  was  to  present  such  a  series 
of  illustrations,  as  might  assist  devout  feeling,  in  the  reading 
of  the  Saviour's  history.  With  this  object  I  have  divided 
the  Gospel  history  into  one  hundred  sections,  following 
generally  the  arrangement  of  Drs.  Carpenter  and  Palfrey. 
Each  section  is  designated  by  reference  to  the  chapter  from 
which  it  is  taken,  and  to  its  first  and  last  verses  ;  and  from 
each  of  these  portions  of  scripture  some  passage  is  selected 
which  seemed  suitable  for  poetical  development.  In  ar- 
ranging the  sections,  I  have  endeavored,  while  avoiding 
repetition,  to  guard  against  omitting  any  passage  of  much 
comparative  importance.  In  one  respect  a  departure  from 
the  order  of  the  Harmony  seemed  advisable  ;  the  facts  and 
discourses  which  are  there  placed  together  at  the  end,  as 
t;  of  uncertain  date,"  being  here  brought  into  the  course  of 
the  narrative,  in  the  places  indicated  by  their  position  in  the 
gospel  of  St.  Luke. 

The  difficulty  of  the  undertaking  will,  perhaps,  in  some 
degree  excuse  the  imperfections  of  its  performance.     The 


IV  PREFACE. 

subjects  I  was  to  illustrate  are  those  which  have  been  for 
ages  the  themes  of  comment  among  Christians,  from  the 
pulpit  and  the  press  ;  while  many  of  them,  in  their  sublime 
simplicity,  neither  need  nor  can  receive  adornment.  What 
can  be  added,  in  beauty  or  in  tenderness,  to  the  parable  of 
the  Prodigal  Son  ?  In  treating  such  a  subject,  all  to  which 
I  could  aspire  was  to  repeat  the  words  of  the  Saviour  in  as 
simple  verse  as  possible,  so  as  not  to  obscure  and  deform 
what  I  could  not  beautify. 

The  view  given,  in  the  verses  numbered  xxvu,  of  the 
feelings  of  our  Lord's  hearers  on  the  Mount,  is  not  only  not 
original  with  me,  but  was  expressed  in  a  poetical  form  by 
another  writer,  some  years  since,  in  the  Christian  Disciple 
or  Christian  Examiner.  I  am  not  aware  that  there  is  any 
other  instance  in  which  the  ideas  of  another  have  been  used, 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  render  it  suitable  to  state  the  fact. 

I  have  freely  availed  myself  of  the  common  poetical  privi- 
lege of  apostrophe,  in  direct  address  to  the  Saviour  ;  and 
have  used  such  language  with  regard  to  demoniacs,  the 
personal  return  of  Christ  to  judge  the  earth,  and  similar 
subjects,  as  was  authorized  by  the  usage  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment, without  feeling  bound  to  the  literal  construction  of 
that  language. 

Whatever  may  be  the  estimate  formed  of  the  poetical 
merit  of  this  volume,  the  hope  is  entertained  that  it  may  be 
useful  to  those  wrho  read  it  for  the  purpose  of  religious  im- 
provement. Should  these  pages  present  to  any  a  new 
attraction  to  the  study  of  the  Saviour's  life  and  character, 
should  they  be  instrumental  in  giving  an  impulse  to  Christian 
benevolence,  or  to  pure  devotion  in  any  heart,  the  labor  of 
their  preparation  will  not  have  been  in  vain. 

S.G.  B. 
Nov.  30,  1844. 


CONTESTS. 


PREFACE, iii 

DEDICATION, ix 

THE  INCARNATION  OF  THE  WORD,     ......  1 

THE  VISION  OF  ZACHARIAS, 3 

THE  ANNUNCIATION, 5 

BIRTH  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST, 7 

BIRTH  OF  JESUS, 9 

PRESENTATION  OF  JESUS  IN  THE  TEMPLE,          ...  10 

THE  WISE  MEN  FROM  THE  EAST, 12 

CHRIST'S  VISIT  TO  THE  TEMPLE,  WHEN  A  CHILD,           .  14 

BAPTISM  OF  JESUS, 15 

THE  TEMPTATION  IN  THE  WILDERNESS,      ....  17 

CONVERSATION  OF  JESUS  WITH  NATHANAEL,      ...  19 

MARRIAGE, 21 

CONVERSATION  WITH  NICODEMUS, 23 

ALL  THINGS  FROM  GOD.    PIETY  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST,  25 

THE  SABBATH  DAY, 28 

SPIRITUAL  WORSHIP, 30 

THE  NOBLEMAN  OF   CAPERNAUM, 32 

MIRACLE  AT  THE  POOL  OF  BETHESDA,        ....  33 

THE  TESTIMONY  OF  MIRACLES, 35 


VI  CONTENTS. 

JESUS  AT  THE  FEAST  OF  TABERNACLES,     ....  37 

MERCIFUL  TREATMENT  OF  OFFENDERS,           .         .                 .  39 

TRUE  FREEDOM, 40 

CURE  OF  A  BLIND  MAN, 42 

THE  GOOD  SHEPHERD, 44 

JESUS  AT  NAZARETH, ^  ...  45 

CALL  OF  PETER,      .                                           47 

COMMENCEMENT  OF  THE  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT,  .        .  49 

RETURNING  GOOD  FOR  EVIL, 51 

GOD  WHO  IS  IN  SECRET, 53 

CONCLUSION  OF  THE  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT,        .        .  54 

CHRIST  RAISES  THE  WIDOW'S  SON, 50 

CURE  OF  DEMONIACS,            58 

CHRIST  AT  CAPERNAUM, 60 

THE  DAUGHTER  OF  JAIRUS, 62 

CHRIST'S  CHARGE  TO  HIS   APOSTLES, 64 

CHRIST'S  EULOGY  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST,           ...  66 

THE  WEEPING  WOMAN  IN  THE  PHARISEE'S  HOUSE,   .        .  68 

MISSION  OF  THE  SEVENTY  DISCIPLES,           ....  69 

THE  GOOD  SAMARITAN,            71 

COURAGE  IN  THE  CAUSE  OF  CHRIST, 73 

TRUST  IN  DIVINE  PROTECTION, 76 

DUTY  OF  WATCHFULNESS, 78 

THE  BARREN  FIG-TREE, 80 

THE  RAISING  OF  LAZARUS, 81 

CHRIST  GREATER  THAN  SOLOMON, 83 

CHRIST  TEACHING  IN  PARABLES, 85 

EVIL  INFLUENCES.     PARABLE  OF  THE  TARES,      ...  86 

THE  DAUGHTER  OF  HERODIAS, 88 

JESUS  WALKS  ON  THE  SEA, 90 

CHRIST  THE  ONLY  SOURCE  OF  TRUE  CONSOLATION,     .  91 

GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  HEART, 93 

THE  WOMAN  OF  CANAAN, #  94 

CHRIST'S  PROPHECY  OF  HIS  CHURCH, 90 

CHRIST'S  REPROOF  TO  PETER, .99 


CONTENTS. 


THE  TRANSFIGURATION,  .... 

THE  FATHER  OF  THE  LUNATIC  YOUTH, 
NOT  TO  DESPISE  THE  LOWLY,      . 

FORGIVENESS,  

INTOLERANCE  REBUKED,  .... 

MARRIAGE  INDISSOLUBLE,  . 

CHILDREN  BROUGHT  TO  CHRIST, 

THE  RICH  YOUNG  MAN, 

PROVIDENCE  VINDICATED,      .... 

A  RECOMPENSE  ON  HIGH, 

COUNTING  THE  COST  OF  RELIGION,  . 

THE  PRODIGAL  SON, 

THE  USE  OF  PRESENT  OPPORTUNITIES,    . 
PARABLE  OF  THE  RICH  MAN  AND  LAZARUS 
WE  ARE  UNPROFITABLE  SERVANTS, 
THE  CHRISTIAN'S  CONFLICT,      . 

DUTY  OF  PRAYER, 

THE  SONS  OF  ZEBEDEE'S  REQUEST, 
ZACCHEUS  THE  PUBLICAN,      . 
PARABLE  OF  THE  TEN  POUNDS, 
CHRIST'S  ENTRANCE  INTO  JERUSALEM, 
CHRIST'S  ANTICIPATIONS  OF  DEATH,     . 

POWER  OF   FAITH, 

REJECTION  OF  THE  JEWS, 

THE  CALL  OF  GOD, 

THE  GREAT  COMMANDMENT,      . 
HUMILITY  AND  BROTHERLY  LOVE,     . 

VIRTUOUS  POVERTY, 

DUTY  OF  PREPARATION, 

THE  PHILANTHROPIST, 

JESUS  ANOINTED  AT  BETHANY,   . 
JESUS  WASHES  HIS  DISCIPLES'  FEET,    . 
INSTITUTION  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER, 
CHRIST  STILL  PRESENT,       .... 
CHRIST'S  LOVE,  OUR  ENAMPLE,    . 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

PROMISE  OF  THE  COMFORTER, 168 

CHRIST  PRAYS  FOR  HIS  DISCIPLES, 169 

PRAYER  IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GETHSEMANE,        ...  172 

PETER'S  DENIAL  OF  CHRIST, 174 

JESUS  BEFORE  PILATE, 176 

THE  CRUCIFIXION, 178 

"  IT  IS  FINISHED,"            180 

THE  RESURRECTION, 183 

JESUS  APPEARS  TO  HIS  DISCIPLES, 185 

CHRIST'S  CHARGE  TO  PETER, 187 

THE  ASCENSION, 190 

CONCLUSION, 193 


TO 


Dear  Friend,  whose  merit  shuns  the  public  gaze, 
I  will  not  on  my  page  inscribe  thy  name, 
Nor  that  high  worth  with  idle  zeal  proclaim 

That  wins,  from  those  who  kuow  thee,  better  praise 

Than  theirs,  for  whom  the  crowd  their  voices  raise. 
For  thou  hast  lived  for  others  ;  thou  hast  found 
Thyself  most  blest,  when  all  were  blest  around. 

Hence  beamed  a  light  upon  thy  darkest  days. 

Beyond  the  power  of  chance  ;  for  thou  hast  been 
Circled  with  friends,  while  the  true  soul  within 

Bore  witness  to  thee  from  the  realm  above. 

Peace  be  around  thy  path,  while  those  most  dear, 
Whose  venerable  age  't  was  thine  to  cheer, 

Look  down  upon  thee  with  unchanging  love  ! 


LAYS   OF   THE   GOSPEL. 


THE  INCARNATION"  OF  THE  WORD. 

John  I.  1-18. 

In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was  with  God. 
and  the  Word  was  God.  —  Verse  1. 
And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us.  —  Verse  14. 

Creative  Wisdom  !  God's  almighty  Word  ! 

For  ages  with  the  Infinite  alone 
Thou  wast,  ere  nature's  morning  hymn  was  heard, 

Partaker  of  his  everlasting  throne.* 

And  thou  wast  with  him,  when  he  spread  the  skies, 
When  ocean  at  his  will  first  ebbed  and  flowed, 

When  first  above  the  vales  of  Paradise 

The  gold  and  crimson  of  the  sunset  glowed. 

Ages  had  passed  ;  the  world  in  silence  lay, 
As  conscious  of  the  time  by  seers  foretold ; 

Then  didst  thou,  Intellect's  transcendent  ray ! 
Thy  glory  in  a  human  form  enfold. 

*  Proverbs  viii.  22,  27,  30. 
1 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Saviour  !  Incarnate  Wisdom  of  the  Lord  ! 

How  bright  in  thee  the  Father's  image  glows ! 
Thy  holy  influence  o'er  our  souls  be  poured, 

For  strength  in  conflict,  rapture  in  repose. 

0  thou,  from  forth  whose  armory  divine 
The  heavenly  glories  of  the  Saviour  came  ! 

1  bring  an  humble  offering  to  thy  shrine, 
Sacred  to  thee,  in  thy  Messiah's  name. 

Unworthy  is  the  gift ;  but  if  aright 

To  thee  'tis  proffered,  thou  wilt  not  despise ; 
And  thou  canst  grant  the  spirit  of  thy  might, 

That  every  faithful  effort  sanctifies. 

May  it  be  blest,  in  suffering  to  console, 

To  make  the  Saviour's  love  and  glory  known, 

To  burst  the  chains  of  passion's  base  control, 
And  lead  the  penitent  to  mercy's  throne. 


THE    VISION    OF    ZACHARIAS. 


II. 

THE  VISION  OF  ZACHARIAS. 

Luke  I.  1-23. 

And  he  shall  go  before  him  in  the  spirit  and  power  of  Elias. 
Verse  17. 

The  spirit  of  Elijah  ! 

That  spirit  stern  and  bold, 
In  which  the  mighty  Man  of  God, 

Stood  in  the  days  of  old,  . 
When  with  four  hundred  enemies* 

He  met  in  strife  alone, 
And  bowed  the  heart  of  Israel 

Before  Jehovah's  throne. 

The  spirit  of  Elijah  ! 

Again  it  came  on  earth, 
With  him  who  by  an  angel's  voice 

Was  named  before  his  birth. 
Taunting  the  guilt-stained  Pharisees, 

He  stood  with  fearless  mien ; 
He  dared  denounce  a  monarch's  crime, 

And  brave  a  vengeful  queen. 

*  1  Kings  xviii.  22. 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

That  spirit  pare  and  holy 

Filled  Luther's  soul  with  miorht, 
When  singly,  with  the  world  opposed. 

He  battled  for  the  right. 
The  assembled  princes  of  the  land  * 

A  higher  power  confessed, 
In  the  Reformer's  burning  words, 

And  his  undaunted  breast. 

The  spirit  of  Elijah! 

O  Lord  !  we  need  it  still. 
Send  thou  that  glorious  spirit  down 

To  conquer  wrong  and  ill ! 
To  curb  the  arm  of  violence, 

To  tear  the  mask  from  fraud, 
And  cause  our  renovated  land 

To  hear  the  voice  of  God ! 

*  At  the  Diet  of  Worms. 


THE    ANNUNCIATION. 


111. 

THE  ANNUNCIATION. 

Luke  I.  26-56. 

Hail,  thou  that  art  highly  favored  ;  the  Lord  is  with  thee :  blessed 
art  thou  among  women.  —  Verse  28. 

Once  o'er  the  world's  wide  regions  spread 

The  darkness  of  despair; 
No  ray  from  human  wisdom  shed 

Had  power  to  enter  there. 
Brightly  the  light  of  Grecian  lore 

Had  flashed  in  ages  gone, 
But  now,  that  early  promise  o'er, 

All  dim  and  cold  it  shone. 
And  where,  in  virtue's  strength  sublime 

The  Roman  power  had  stood, 
Now,  stained  with  each  detested  crime, 
Usurping  rivals  sought  to  climb 

To  thrones  upreared  in  blood. 

Where  was  earth's  hope  in  that  dark  hour 

When  the  last  Brutus  fell? 
A  villain  tool  of  foreign  power 

Held  sway  o'er  Israel. 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

From  Herod's  court,  from  Caesar's  throne, 

The  sophist's  learned  maze, 
No  ray  of  dawning  virtue  shone 

With  hope  of  better  days. 
Then,  Judah's  humble  village  maid! 

The  word  was  sent  to  thee ; 
The  promise  of  a  Saviour's  aid, 
To  raise  the  world,  in  darkness  laid, 

To  light,  to  liberty. 

O  ye,  who  with  despairing  eyes, 

The  blighted  prospect  trace, 
Doubtful  if  hope  can  yet  arise 

For  your  corrupted  race ! 
Fear  not !  within  some  shady  nook 

There  bursts  a  fountain  pure, 
And  soon  its  clear  and  healthful  brook 

Shall  flow  to  soothe  and  cure- 
Though  long  the  cruel  and  the  proud 

Insult  his  guardian  power, 
Though  long  his  purpose  he  may  shroud 
Beneath  a  dark  mysterious  cloud, 

God  waits  his  chosen  hour. 

And  ye,  who  in  presumptuous  might 

Feel  that  to  you  is  given 
The  power  to  make  earth's  darkness  light, 

And  work  the  will  of  Heaven ; 
Boast  not ;  almighty  energy 

Can  spare  your  haughty  aid  : 


BIRTH    OF    JOHN    THE    BAPTIST. 

Can  make  a  world  from  bondage  free 

By  a  poor  village  maid. 
Then  humbly  to  the  work  divine 

Your  costly  tribute  bring; 
And  He  before  whose  awful  shrine 
Ye  meekly  bow,  will  not  decline 

His  servants'  orTerincr. 


rv. 

BIRTH  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST. 

Luke  I.  57-80. 
The  day-spring  from  on  high.  —  Verse  73. 

Toiling  through  the  livelong  night, 
Faint,  uncertain  of  his  way, 

How  the  traveller  hails  the  light, 
Herald  of  the  coming  day. 

Thus,  when  fraud  and  rapine  threw 
O'er  the  world  their  cloud  afar, 

On  the  good  man's  raptured  view 
Broke  the  dawn  of  Judah's  star. 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Tears  of  joy  and  gratitude 

Hailed  the  Baptist's  natal  morn, 

For  the  heavenly  light  renewed, 
For  another  prophet  born. 

Born  to  go  before  the  face 
Of  Judea's  Saviour  King; 

Tidings  of  celestial  grace 

To  the  mourning  land  to  bring. 

Thus  began  the  song  of  praise 
For  the  day-spring's  earliest  ray. 

How  should  we  the  anthem  raise, 
For  the  Gospel's  perfect  day  ! 


BIRTH    OF    JESUS. 


BIRTH  OF  JESUS. 

Luke  IT.   1-21. 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest ;  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  to- 
wards men.  —  Verse  14. 

Glory  to  God ! 
The  Lord,  the  righteous  hath  looked  down  from  heaven, 
And  great  salvation  to  his  people  given. 

Glory  to  God  ! 

Peace  on  the  earth  ! 
Now  let  the  sons  of  men  in  harmony 
Accept  the  blessing  sent  by  God  on  high. 

Peace  on  the  earth  ! 

Good  will  to  men  ! 
For  God,  the  merciful,  his  Son  hath  sent 
To  bid  the  sinner's  stubborn  heart  relent. 

Good  will  to  men  ! 

Messiah  comes  ! 
Now  is  the  appointed  time  of  prophecy. 
Israel,  rejoice  !  deliverance  draweth  nigh. 

Messiah  comes ! 


10  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Hail,  Prince  of  Peace ! 
Hail,  Virgin  Mother  !  on  thy  blameless  breast 
The  Hope  of  nations  takes  his  smiling  rest. 

Hail,  Prince  of  Peace ! 


VI. 

PRESENTATION  OF  JESUS  IN  THE  TEMPLE. 

Luke  II.  22-38. 

Lord  !  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  according  to 
thy  word  ;  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation.  —  Verses  29,  30. 

Holy  and  happy  age  ! 
Declining  to  the  grave,  thy  heart  reposes 

On  the  sure  promise  of  the  sacred  page, 
And  with  its  brightest  beam,  thy  daylight  closes. 

Loved  saint,  depart  in  peace  ! 
Long  hast  thou  borne  the  burthen  and  the  strife; 

Death  is  to  thee  from  care  a  sweet  release, 
And  the  blest  summons  to  eternal  life. 

No  doubt  disturbs  thy  joy. 
One  who  so  well  hath  labored  through  the  day, 

Now  that  the  evening  comes,  no  fears  annoy, 
But  glad  he  turns  him  from  his  toils  away. 


PRESENTATION    OF    JESUS    IN    THE    TEMPLE.  11 

We  watch  thy  spirit's  flight, 
Then  cheerful  to  the  scenes  of  life  return ; 

For  thy  departing  words  have  made  them  bright, 
And  zeal,  and  faith,  and  lovej  within  us  burn. 

On  thee  was  much  bestowed  ; 
To  clasp  the  infant  Saviour  to  thy  breast ; 

But  we  can  hear  the  words  of  love  that  flowed 
From  Jesus'  lips  when  thou  hadst  sunk  to  rest. 

Oh,  when  the  hour  draws  nigh 
That  calls  us  hence,  may  we  like  thee  impart 

Hope  to  survivors,  and  without  a  sigh 
Rise  to  the  mansions  of  the  pure  in  heart ! 


12 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


VII. 

THE  WISE  MEN  FROM  THE  EAST. 

Matthew,  Chap.  II. 

Behold,  there  came  wise  men  from  the  East  to  Jerusalem.  — 
Verse  1. 

Hail  to  thee,  hoary  Wisdom  !   age  on  age 

Hath  seen  thine  empire  o'er  the  great  arid  good. 
Through  thee  the  Chaldee  read  the  starry  page  ; 

To  thee  old  Egypt  bowed  beside  her  flood. 

Where  Persia's  sons  the  might  of  kings  subdued, 
Where  Indian  bards  their  wild  traditions  tell, 

Thy  chosen  ones  have  taught,  thine  altars  stood  ; 
And  truth's  enthusiasts  ay  have  loved  to  dwell 
Where  from  the  sage's  lips  the  words  of  wonder  fell. 

But  chief,  O  land  of  eloquence  and  song  ! 

Fair  Greece,  in  thee  Philosophy  was  seen, 
With  Socrates,  amid  the  Athenian  throng, 

With  Plato,  by  Uissus'  banks  of  green, 

With  Zeno's  voice  of  power,  and  lofty  mien ; 
Thence  westward  passing  to  the  conquerors'  home, 

With  Cicero  she  gazed  upon  the  scene, 
Of  arch  triumphal,  portico  and  dome, 
Where  towered,  supreme  in  pomp,  thy  pride,  imperial 
Rome! 


THE    WISE    MEN    FROM    THE    EAST.  13 

Then  rose  a  holier  teacher.     From  the  clime 
Where  Wisdom  won  her  earliest  victories, 

Her  children  came,  led  on  their  quest  sublime 
By  that  mysterious  herald  in  the  skies, 
Messiah's  star  ;  behold  its  radiance  lies 

Upon  the  manger's  roof;   they  enter  there; 
Before  an  infant  bend  the  old  and  wise, 

And  gazing  on  his  peaceful  features  fair, 

To  God  on  high  they  raise  the  tributary  prayer. 

This  was  Philosophy's  first  offering  given 

To  him  who  came  in  infant  purity, 
To  speak  to  man  the  high  commands  of  Heaven. 

Oh  ever  thus  in  sweet  humility 

May  Wisdom  kneel,  receiving  thankfully 
The  blessings  of  thy  doctrine,  Prince  of  Peace ! 

And  vail  her  ancient  honors  unto  thee, 
Hailing  the  light  that  bids  her  own  decrease, 
Since  that  celestial  ray  hath  made  the  darkness  cease. 


14 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


VIII. 

CHRIST'S  VISIT  TO  THE    TEMPLE,  WHEN  A  CHILD. 

Luke  II.  40-52. 

They  found  him  in  the  Temple,  sitting  in  the  midst  of  the  doctors. 
And  he  went  down  with  them,  and  came  to  Nazareth,  and  "was 
subject  unto  them.  —  Verses  46,  51. 

Soft  is  the  rounded  cheek  of  youth, 

Bright  is  its  lip  of  ruddy  dye, 
And  innocence  and  open  truth 

Beam  beauteous  from  the  speaking  eye. 
That  eye,  how  quick  its  flash  of  mirth  ! 

Or  if  the  boy  hath  paused  to  hear 
Some  tale  of  woe,  of  injured  worth, 

How  ready  bursts  the  generous  tear  ! 

Oh  to  the  altar  of  the  Lord 

That  bright  and  willing  votary  lead; 
And  let  him  from  the  holy  word 

This  record  of  his  Saviour  read ; 
How  when  a  boy,  he  loved  the  place 

Made  sacred  to  the  name  of  God, 
And,  rich  in  heaven's  peculiar  grace, 

Yet  meek  in  filial  duty  trod. 


BAPTISM    OF    JESUS.  15 

Young  Christian  !  like  thy  Saviour  hear  ! 

Young  Christian  !  like  thy  Saviour  pray  ! 
Still  own  thy  heavenly  Father  near; 

Thine  earthly  parents'  rule  obey. 
Be  thy  first  fruits  of  duty  laid 

Before  thy  God,  in  faith  and  love ; 
And  He  thy  course  on  earth  will  aid, 

And  lead  thee  to  His  home  above. 


IX. 
BAPTISM  OF  JESUS. 

Matthew  III. 

And  lo,  the  heavens  were  opened  unto  him,  and  he  saw  the  spirit 
of  God  descending  like  a  dove,  and  lighting  upon  him.  —  Verse  16. 

Of  old  by  Carmel's  altar  stone 

The  prophet  of  the  Lord, 
Amid  the  silent  tribes  alone, 

His  supplication  poured.* 

Then  from  the  heavens  without  a  cloud 
Was  sent  the  answering  flame ; 

The  awe-struck  tribes  repentant  bowed, 
And  owned  Jehovah's  name. 

*  1  Kings,  xviii. 


16  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Long  ages  passed.     The  Baptist  stood 
By  Jordan's  silver  stream, 

When  o'er  the  consecrating  flood 
Appeared  a  radiant  gleam. 

Dove-like  the  glory  slow  descends 

On  Jesus'  head  to  rest ; 
The  conscious  prophet  lowly  bends  ; 

Messiah  stands  confessed. 

Thou  who  didst  bid  the  altar  flame 
From  Carmel's  height  aspire ; 

From  whom  to  Jesus'  brow  there  came 
The  emblematic  fire  ! 

On  our  heart-altars,  cold  and  dark, 
Thy  kindling  radiance  send  ; 

And  with  thy  dove-like  spirit  mark 
Thy  children  to  the  end. 


THE    TEMPTATION    IX    THE    WILDERNESS.  17 


THE  TEMPTATION  IN  THE  WILDERNESS. 
Matthew  IV.  1-11. 


It  is  written,  thou  shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only 
shalt  thou  serve.  —  Verse  10. 


When  a  thousand  voices  raise 
To  thy  name  the  shout  of  praise, 
And  before  thy  dazzled  sight 
Glory  beams  enthroned  in  light, 
While  on  thee  she  calls  aloud, 
Pointing  to  the  admiring  crowd, 
Pause,  nor  kneel  before  her  throne ; 
Give  thy  heart  to  God  alone  ! 

Sweeter  strains  of  soft  desire 
Swell  from  Pleasure's  golden  lyre. 
Bright  as  beams  of  opening  day 
Hope  and  Transport  round  her  play; 
Smiles  and  gayety  are  there, 
Banished  far  are  Thought  and  Care. 
Heed  not  thou  the  entrancing  tone, 
Give  thy  heart  to  God  alone  ! 
2 


IS  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Mammon  bids  thee  view  the  store 
Heaped  for  him  from  every  shore. 
Worship  him,  and  wealth  untold, 
Through  thy  swelling  coffers  rolled, 
Shall  reward  thy  bended  knee.  — 
Spurn  the  base  idolatry ! 
Heavenly  treasures  are  thine  own ; 
Give  thy  heart  to  God  alone  ! 

Onward,  in  thy  Saviour's  path, 
Brave  the  baffled  Tempter's  wrath. 
Soon  deceitful  Pleasure's  lay 
From  thine  ear  shall  pass  away ; 
Soon  Ambition's  thrilling  voice 
Cease  to  urge  thy  trembling  choice. 
Life's  short  day  of  duty  done, 
Thou  shalt  joy  in  God  alone. 


CONVERSATION    OF    JESUS    WITH    NATHANAEL.        19 


XI. 

CONVERSATION  OF  JESUS  WITH  NATHANAEL. 

John  I.  35  -  51. 

Hereafter  ye  shall  see  heaven  open,  and  the  angels  of  God  ascend- 
ing and  descending  upon  the  Son  of  man.  —  Verse  51. 

Exiled  from  home,  and  worn  with  care, 

As  the  young  Hebrew  slept,* 
Before  him  rose  the  mystic  stair, 

Their  watch  while  angels  kept, 
And  in  his  vision,  from  on  high, 

On  holy  errands  came, 
Or  upward  to  their  native  sky 

Arose  like  flashing  flame. 

Thus,  Saviour  !   though  thy  pathway  led 

Amid  insulting  foes, 
Without  a  place  to  lay  thy  head, 

For  thee  a  vision  rose ; 
Spirits  of  grace,  still  hovering  near, 

Sent  by  the  Almighty  Lord, 
To  comfort  on  thy  path  of  fear, 

Or  execute  thy  word. 

*  Genesis  xxviii.  11. 


20  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

And  even  with  us,  the  attentive  eye 

Sometimes  the  marks  can  trace, 
Of  that  celestial  company, 

God's  messengers  of  grace. 
When  mercy  spares  the  perilled  life, 

We  feel  that  they  are  near, 
And  conquering  in  virtue's  strife, 

Their  lay  of  triumph  hear. 

Sweet  thought !  yet  is  the  thought  less  dear, 

That  Thou,  and  Thou  alone, 
In  trial's  hour  art  ever  near, 

Eternal,  boundless  One? 
We  seek  not,  Lord,  to  penetrate 

The  mysteries  of  thy  will ; 
Enough  for  this  our  lowly  state 

To  own  thy  goodness  still. 


MARRIAGE.  21 


xn. 

MARRIAGE. 

John  II. 

There  was  a  marriage  in  Cana  of  Galilee  ;  and  the  mother  of 
Jesus  was  there.  And  both  Jesus  was  called,  and  his  disciples,  to 
the  marriage.  —  Verses  1,2. 

They  stand  amid  their  earnest  friends,  joyful  yet  awed 

and  still, 
As  priestly  hands  the  rite  of  old  by  God  ordained  fulfil; 
The  few  and  simple  words  they  breathe,  though  scarce 

they  meet  the  ear, 
Pledge  heart  to  heart,  and  life  to  life,  through  many  a 

coming  year. 

As  meet  their  hands  with  tender  grasp,  each  heart  re- 
nounces there 

Whatever  thought  of  earthly  bliss  the  other  may  not 
share. 

Henceforth  together  do  they  pass,  in  joy  and  sorrow 
one, 

Nor  that  mysterious  union  ends,  till  life  itself  be  done. 

And  now  with   blushes   and  with  smiles,  the  young 

bride  meets  her  friends; 
With  voice  of  trembling  earnestness,  a  father  o'er  her 

bends, 


22  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

A  sister's  tear  is  on  her  cheek,  a  mother's  heart  o'er- 

flows, 
As  hope  and  fear  their  visions  to   her    anxious  eyes 

disclose. 

With  lightsome  word  and  glance  of  mirth,  the  youth 
whom  love  has  crowned, 

Grasps  now  the  proffered  hands  of  those  who  gaily 
throng  around ; 

But  in  his  heart  a  voice  is  heard  of  pure  resolve  and 
high, 

As  some  majestic  organ-strain  through  sounds  of  rev- 
elry. 

That  trusting  one  whose  deepest  love  is  yielded  to  his 
claim, 

Who  how  by  smiling  friends  addressed,  first  hears  her 
matron  name  ; 

To  her  he  vows  himself  anew,  before  that  secret  shrine, 

Where  Conscience  to  the  heart  reveals  the  majesty  di- 
vine. 

Blest  Saviour !  though  no  bridal  wreath  entwined  thy 

awful  brow,. 
Not  void  of  sympathy  for  aught  of  blameless  joy  wast 

thou  ; 
And  walking  in  thy  Gospel's  light,  thy  true  disciples 

prove 
The  purity  of  wedded  bliss,  the  holiness  of  love. 


CONVERSATION    WITH    NICODEMUS.  23 


XIII. 

CONVERSATION  WITH   NICODEMUS. 

John  III.   1-21. 

Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God. 
Verse  3. 

Our  life  is  but  a  span, 
And  full  of  fears  and  woes, 
In  tears  our  earthly  course  began, 
In  tears  that  course  must  close. 

But,  Lord !  through  thee  we  own 
A  new  and  heavenly  birth, 
Kindred  to  spirits  round  thy  throne, 
Though  sojourners  of  earth. 

How  glorious  is  the  hour 
When  first  our  souls  awake, 
Through  thy  mysterious  Spirit's  power, 
And  of  new  life  partake. 

With  richer  beauty  glows 
The  world,  before  so  fair  ; 
Her  holy  light  Religion  throws, 
Reflected  everywhere. 


24  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Amid  repentant  tears 
We  feel  sweet  peace  within ; 
We  know  the  God  of  mercy  hears, 
And  pardons  every  sin. 

The  life  that  thou  hast  given, 
O  Lord  !  shall  never  end  ; 
The  grave  is  but  the  path  to  heaven, 
And  Death  is  now  our  friend. 

Born  of  thy  Spirit,  Lord  ! 
Thy  spirit  may  we  share  ; 
Deep  in  our  hearts  inscribe  thy  word, 
And  place  thine  image  there, 

Teach  us  to  walk  aright 
On  earth,  as  serving  thee  ; 
Then  take  us  to  thy  realms  of  light, 
Thine  to  eternity. 


ALL    THINGS    FROM    GOD.  25 


XIV. 

ALL  THINGS  FROM  GOD. 

PIETY  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST. 

John  ILL  22'-  36. 

John  answered  and  said,  A  man  can  receive  nothing,  except  it  be 
given  him  from  heaven.  —  Verse  27. 

Child  of  wealth,  whose  mansion  shines 
With  the  spoils  of  Indian  mines, 
While  around,  a  numerous  band 
Prompt  to  serve  thee,  ever  stand ; 
For  thy  lip  the  banquet  glows, 
And  the  purple  vintage  flows. 
Beauty  lines  thy  sculptured  hall, 
Beams  upon  the  pictured  wall. 
Earth  and  air  and  sea  supply 
Every  gift  of  luxury. 
Yet,  amid  thy  pleasures,  own, 
Humbly,  at  thy  Maker's  throne, 
Nought  is  thine  but  what  is  given 
By  the  God  who  reigns  in  heaven. 

Child  of  genius  !  unto  thee 
Is  the  world  of  fancy  free. 


26  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Thou  canst  call,  with  magic  power, 
Joy  from  field,  and  stream  and  flower. 
When  thou  speakest,  crowds  are  listening, 
Tears  in  every  eye  are  glistening. 
Heart-struck  thousands  breathe  thy  name, 
Child  of  genius,  heir  of  fame  ! 
Age  on  age  shall  roll  away 
Ere  that  fame  shall  know  decay. 
At  thy  Maker's  shrine  lay  down, 
Humbly  lay,  thy  laurel  crown. 
Nought  is  thine  but  what  is  given 
By  the  God  who  reigns  in  heaven. 

Thou  who  in  a  quiet  spot 
Hold'st  thine  own  contented  lot, 
Neither  wealth  nor  fame  is  thine, 
But  true  hearts  about  thee  twine, 
With  affection's  answering  smile, 
Childhood's  fond,  endearing  wile. 
Thine  is  labor,  sweetening  rest, 
Still  of  health  and  peace  possessed, 
Happier  in  thy  lowly  sphere 
Than  the  great  whom  millions  fear, 
Than  the  bard  whom  all  admire, 
Martyr  to  his  own  wild  fire ; 
Praise  thy  God  for  blessings  given 
By  His  grace  who  reigns  in  heaven. 

Thou,  who  desolate  and  lone, 
Mournest  over  blessings  flown, 


ALL    THINGS    FROM    GOD.  27 

In  thine  anguish  bending  o'er 
Him  who  ne'er  shall  waken  more 
Till  the  last  dread  trump  shall  ring, 
While  thine  orphans  round  thee  cling ! 
Poverty  thy  chilled  heart  presses, 
Every  look  thy  woe  confesses. 
Tearful  one  !  lift  up  thine  eyes 
To  the  world  beyond  the  skies. 
There  are  joys  more  rich  than  all 
Blooming  on  this  earthly  ball. 
Praise  thy  God,  whose  pledge  is  given, 
Brightening  earth  with  hopes  of  heaven. 


28  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL 


XV. 

THE  SABBATH  DAY. 

Matthew  XII.  1-21. 

I  will  have  mercy,  and  not  sacrifice.  —  Verse  7. 

Hail  to  the  Sabbath  day ! 
The  day  divinely  given, 
When  men  to  God  their  homage  pay, 
And  earth  draws  near  to  heaven. 

Lord,  in  thy  sacred  hour, 
Within  thy  courts  we  bend, 
And  bless  thy  love,  and  own  thy  power, 
Our  Father  and  our  Friend ! 

But  thou  art  not  alone, 
In  courts  by  mortals  trod, 
Nor  only  is  the  day  thine  own, 
When  crowds  adore  their  God. 

Nor  time  nor  space  can  bound 
Thy  universal  might; 
And  every  spot  is  hallowed  ground 
To  those  who  pray  aright. 


THE    SABBATH    DAY.  29 

Thy  Temple  is  the  arch 
Of  yon  unmeasured  sky, 
Thy  Sabbath,  the  stupendous  march 
Of  grand  eternity. 

Then  let  not  bigot  pride 
The  form  alone  revere ; 
Still  be  our  sabbaths  sanctified, 
But  more  by  love  than  fear. 

The  sacrifice  of  prayer 
Before  thy  shrine  we  bring ; 
Help  us  a  worthier  gift  to  bear 
In  mercy's  offering. 

Lord  !  may  a  holier  day 
Dawn  on  thy  servants'  sight ; 
And  grant  us  in  thy  courts  to  pray, 
Of  pure,  unclouded  light ! 


30 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XVI. 

SPIRITUAL  WORSHIP. 
John  IV.  1-42. 


God  is  a  spirit,  and  they  that  worship  him,  must  worship  him  in 
spirit  and  in  truth.  —  Verse  24. 


How  should  the  Christian  seek  his  God  ? 

"Where  columned  arches  proudly  sweep, 
Whose  aisles  by  thousands  have  been  trod, 

Now  resting  in  a  dreamless  sleep? 
Or  shall  he  best  his  Sabbaths  keep 

In  still  communion  with  his  soul, 
Where  the  calm  Friends,  in  silence  deep, 
*  Await  the  Spirit's  blest  control  1 

Choose  for  thyself.     But  if  thy  feet 

Should  wander  where  thy  brethren  pray, 
Who  round  another  altar  meet, 

And  varied  forms  of  homage  pay, 
Blame  not  their  rite  as  vain  display; 

If  simple,  hold  it  not  in  scorn, 
For  heard  alike  of  Heaven  are  they 

Whose  worship  of  the  heart  is  born. 


SPIRITUAL    WORSHIP.  31 

For  thee,  perchance,  in  yon  gray  pile, 

Beneath  whose  floor  the  dead  repose, 
As  ceased  the  pastor's  word' the  while, 

Thy  young  voice  tremulously  rose, 
Responsive  at  the  frequent  close, 

While  hundreds  joined  the  solemn  word; 
And  still  the  scene  as  memory  shows, 

The  feelings  of  the  boy  are  stirred. 

But  in  yon  humble  place  of  prayer, 

Where  simplest  forms  our  faith  express, 
Canst  thou  not  feel  that  God  is  there, 

Or  own  his  awful  goodness  less  ? 
His  presence  fills  with  holiness 

The  lowliest  as  the  loftiest  fane, 
And  his  accepting  love  shall  bless 

The  whispered  prayer,  the  anthem's  strain. 


32 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL, 


XVII. 

THE  NOBLEMAN  OF  CAPERNAUM. 

John  IV.  43-54. 

Then  said  Jesus  unto  him,  except  ye  see  signs  and  wonders,  ye 
will  not  believe.  The  nobleman  saith  unto  him,  Sir,  come  down 
ere  my  child  die.  —  Verses  48,  49. 

"  Not  for  a  test  of  thy  celestial  power, 

Prophet  of  God!  I  ask  the  wondrous  sign; 
But  ah !  revive  my  bosom's  drooping  flower, 
Ere  my  child  die,  exert  thy  might  divine." 

Oh  thus  how  many  a  humbled  heart  hath  sought 
In  meekness  for  the  grace  of  Him  on  high ; 

No  questionings  of  cold,  proud  reason  brought, 
But  only  pleaded,  Come,  or  else  we  die  ! 

How  many  a  mother  for  her  erring  child 

Hath  claimed  the  aid  of  Him  who  heareth  prayer  ; 

How  many  a  heart,  for  years  unreconciled, 

At  length  hath  sought  his  saving  grace  to  share ! 

The  eye  of  God  each  suppliant  surveys, 

And  ne'er  was  such  petition  breathed  in  vain. 

Though  for  a  time  mysterious  are  his  ways, 
Our  burthen  shall  grow  light,  our  duty  plain. 


MIRACLE    AT    THE    POOL    OF    BETHESDA.  33 

The  rays  of  joy  shall  beam  through  sorrow's  night, 
Or  strength  be  given  to  toil  amid  the  gloom ; 

Till  the  full  triumph  of  his  love  and  might 

Shall  beam  when  we  have  passed  the  conquered 
tomb. 


XVILL 
MIRACLE  AT  THE  POOL  OF  BETHESDA. 
John  V.  1-15. 
Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Rise,  take  up  thy  bed  and  walk.  —  Verse  8. 

The  ag-ed  sufferer  waited  lono- 

Upon  Bethesda's  brink, 
Till  hopes,  once  rising  warm  and  strong, 

Began  in  fears  to  sink. 
And  heavy  were  the  sighs  he  drew, 

And  fervent  was  his  prayer; 
For  he,  with  safety  full  in  view, 

Still  languished  helpless  there. 

His  hope  grew  dim ;  but  one  was  nigh 

Who  saw  the  sufferer's  grief. 
That  gentle  voice,  that  pitying  eye, 

Gave  promise  of  relief. 
3 


34  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Each  pang  that  human  weakness  knows, 
Obeyed  that  powerful  word ; 

He  spake,  and  lo  !  the  sick  arose, 
Rejoicing  in  his  Lord. 

Father  of  Jesus!  when  oppressed 

With  grief  and  pain  we  lie, 
And,  longing  for  thy  heavenly  rest, 

Despair  to  look  so  high, 
Oh  may  the  Saviour's  words  of  peace, 

Within  the  wounded  heart, 
Bid  every  doubt  and  suffering  cease, 

And  strength  and  joy  impart. 


THE  TESTIMONY  OF  MIRACLES.  35 


XIX. 

THE  TESTIMONY  OF  MIRACLES. 
John  V.   16-47. 

The  works  which  the  Father  hath  given  me  to  finish,  the  same 
works  that  I  do,  hear  witness  of  me,  that  the  Father  hath  sent  me.  — 
Verse  36. 

Holy  Son  of  God  most  high, 
Clothed  in  heavenly  majesty  ! 
Many  a  miracle  and  sign, 
In  thy  Father's  name  divine, 
Manifested  forth  thy  might, 
In  the  chosen  people's  sight. 

But,  O  Saviour  !  not  alone, 
Thus  thy  glory  was  made  known. 
Kindly  human  wants  relieving, 
Gently  with  the  mourner  grieving, 
Far  thy  matchless  power  above, 
Stands  the  witness  of  thy  love. 

Thou  who  by  the  open  grave, 
Ere  thy  voice  was  raised  to  save, 
Didst  with  those  fond  sisters  shed 
Tears  above  the  faithful  dead; 
Even  thy  word  of  might  appears 
Less  resistless  than  thy  tears. 


36 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

When  upon  the  fatal  tree 
Thou  didst  writhe  in  agony, 
Had  that  pain  in  triumph  ended, 
Hadst  thou  royally  ascended, 
Less  sublime  had  been  thy  power, 
Than  thy  patience  shone  that  hour. 

Lord  !  it  is  not  ours  to  gaze 
On  thy  works  of  ancient  days; 
But  thy  love,  unchanged  and  bright, 
More  than  all  those  works  of  might, 
More  than  miracle  and  sign, 
Makes  us  ever,  ever  thine.. 


JESUS  AT  THE  FEAST  OF  TABERNACLES.     37 


XX. 

JESUS  AT  THE  FEAST  OF  TABERNACLES. 
John  VII. 

In  the  last  day.  that  great  day  of  the  feast,  Jesus  stood  and  cried, 
saying,  If  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me  and  drink.  — 
Verse  37. 

Then  came  the  officers  to  the  chief  priests  and  Pharisees.  And 
they  said  unto  them.  Why  have  ye  not  brought  him  ?  The  officers 
answered,  Never  man  spake  like  this  man.  —  Verses  45,  46. 

In  all  the  pomp  of  the  glorious  East, 

Rose  the  last  great  day  of  Judea's  feast. 

The  sun  was  flashing  on  mount  and  plain, 

But  brightest  on  that  majestic  fane, 

Where  Herod  had  lavished  his  wealth  and  power 

On  court  and  piazza  and  airy  tower. 

Widely  around  the  city  lay 

The  festal  booths  in  their  bright  arrav ; 

On  street  and  square  and  roof  were  seen 

Thousands  of  tents  of  foliage  green; 

The  vine,' the  fir,  and  the  cedar"  gave 

Their  branches  in  that  high  feast  to  wave, 

In  memory  of  Jehovah's  grace 

When  the  tent  was  Israel's  dwelling  place. 

But  when  the  sun  o'er  Olivet's  crown 
Glanced  to  the  vale  of  Kedron  down, 
Jerusalem  sent  her  sons  abroad 
To  the  spacious  courts  of  the  house  of  God. 


>0  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

The  altar's  smoke  o'er  the  Temple  hung, 

And  the  lays  of  the  prophet-king  were  sung, 

While  adoring  Judah  bent  the  knee 

In  that  dread  home  of  the  Deity. 

Soon  a  band  of  priests,  from  Siloa's  fount, 

Brought  the  cool,  pure  wave  to  the  sacred  mount, 

And  with  shout  and  psalm  the  tribute  poured 

Beside  the  altar  of  the  Lord. 

Then  rose  that  voice,  which  still  and  clear, 

Yet  breathes  at  times  on  the  mental  ear, 

But  the  full  rich  sound  of  whose  awful  tone 

Was  granted  to  that  far  age  alone. 
"  If  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  to  me; 

He  shall  drink  of  the  wave  of  eternity." 

And  a  murmur  spread  through  the  crowd  around, 
"  The  prophet,  the  Christ  of  God  is  found  !  " 

They  gathered  with  looks  of  wonder  and  awe, 

While  he  spake  of  God's  most  holy  law. 

He  taught  with  a  mien  as  void  of  fear 

As  if  he  knew  not  his  foes  were  near. 

There  were  dark  stern  faces  amid  the  throng, 

Their  hearts  were  fierce,  and  their  hands  were  strong; 

But  it  was  not  yet  their  destined  hour, 

And  they  felt  controlled  by  a  higher  power, 

In  the  Teacher's  calm,  majestic  eye, 

In  his  words  of  truth  and  piety. 

Back  to  their  haughty  lords  they  came, 

Guarding  no  captive,  with  looks  of  shame. 
"  Why  have  ye  thus  our  commandment  broken  V 
"  Never  man  spake  as  this  man  hath  spoken  !  " 


MERCIFUL    TREATMENT    OF    OFFENDERS.  39 


XXL 

MERCIFUL  TREATMENT  OF  OFFEXDERS. 

John  VIII.  1-29. 

Go,  and  sin  no  more.  —  Verse  11. 

Benignant  Saviour!  'twas  not  thine 
To  spurn  the  erring  from  thy  sight, 

Nor  did  thy  smile  of  love  divine 
Turn  from  the  penitent  its  light. 

Oh  then,  shall  we,  who  own  thy  name, 
A  brother's  fault  too  sternly  view, 

Or  think  thy  holy  law  can  blame 

The  tear  to  sin's  deep  suffering  due  ! 

May  we,  while  human  guilt  awakes 
Upon  our  cheek  the  indignant  glow, 

Yet  spare  the  offender's  heart,  that  breaks 
Beneath  its  load  of  shame  and  woe. 

Conscious  of  frailty,  may  we  bend 

In  pity  to  affliction's  prayer, 
And  strive  the  suppliant  to  defend 

From  further  sin,  or  dark  despair. 


40  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

And  when  our  own  offences  weigh 
Upon  our  hearts  with  anguish  sore, 

Lord  !  let  thy  sparing  mercy  say, 
Like  Jesus,  "  Go,  and  sin  no  more." 


XXII. 

TRUE  FREEDOM. 

John  VIII.  30-59. 

Ye  shall  know  the  truth,  and  the  truth  shall  make  you  free. 
Verse  32. 

Who  is  the  truly  free  1 
•Ambition's  chosen  son  1 
The  chief  adorned  with  victory, 
The  monarch  on  his  throne  ? 

No  !  Passion's  force  can  shake 
The  soul  in  danger  tried, 
And  he  who  bars  of  steel  can  break, 
May  be  the  slave  of  pride. 

Who  is  the  truly  blest? 
The  man  of  wealth  untold, 
In  robes  of  Eastern  splendor  dressed, 
And  served  in  plate  of  gold? 


TRUE    FREEDOM.  41 

No!  vain  his  rich  attire 
To  ease  the  laboring  breath; 
Nor  streams  of  gold  can  quench  the  fire, 
The  fever-flame  of  death. 

That  man  is  free,  O  Lord! 
To  whom  thy  name  is  dear, 
Who  fearing  thee,  performs  thy  word, 
And  knows  no  other  fear. 

From  passion,  pride,  remorse, 
Thy  care  his  path  shall  guard, 
And  lead  him  on,  in  virtue's  course 
To  his  divine  reward. 

.    Thy  love  protects  his  way ; 
To  thee  his  thoughts  are  given  ; 
Thy  smile  shall  gild  life's  evening  ray, 
And  light  the  morn  of  heaven. 


42  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XXIII. 

CURE   OF  A  BLIND  MAN. 

John  IX. 

I  must  work  the  works  of  Him  that  sent  me,  while  it  is  day  ;  the 
night  cometh,  when  no  man  can  work.  As  long  as  I  am  in  the 
world,  I  am  the  light  of  the  world.  —  Verses  4,  5. 

Light  of  the  world  !  Redeemer  blest ! 
Thou  didst  not  hide  in  slothful  rest 

The  power  that  God  had  given. 
Well  was  performed  the  task  he  gave, 
Ere  from  the  darkness  of  the  grave 

Thy  form  arose  to  heaven. 

What  was  that  task  ?  On  eyes  whose  power 
Had  slumbered  from  the  natal  hour 

To  pour  the  light  of  day, 
And  o'er  the  more  unhappy  blind 
Of  heart  perverse  and  clouded  mind 
.     Exert  thy  healing  sway. 

Saviour  !  like  thee  thy  followers  find 
A  portion  of  God's  work  assigned; 

And,  ere  our  day  shall  close, 
That  sacred  task  may  we  fulfil, 
Then  calmly  meet  our  Father's  will, 

And  sink  to  blest  repose. 


CURE    OF    A    BLIND    MAN.  43 

The  night,  when  none  can  work,  draws  nigh; 
Then  ere  these  hastening  moments  fly, 

Let  us  their  tribute  bear, 
On  misery's  darkness  pour  the  light, 
Irradiate  error's  mournful  night, 

And  pierce  the  cloud  of  care. 

Then  not  entirely  dark  shall  be 
The  scene  when  we  resign  to  thee, 

O  God  !  our  earthly  trust. 
As  sinks  the  sun  of  life,  shall  rise 
The  star  of  hope,  in  eastern  skies, 

To  watch  our  slumbering  dust. 


44  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPE1 


XXIV. 

THE  GOOD  SHEPHERD. 

John  X. 

I  am  the  good  shepherd.  —  Verse  11. 

How  didst  thou  lead  thy  flock,  O  Lord, 

By  Siloa's  waters  still, 
And  where  the  arching  boughs  afford 

Shade  to  the  Olive  hill ! 

5T  is  thine  to  lead  where  sweeter  streams 

Glide  by  a  lovelier  bower, 
Sheltered  from  passion's  scorching  beams, 

Safe  from  temptation's  power. 

Does  not  thy  holy  word  dispense, 

Like  pasture  rich  and  fair, 
Fit  and  delightful  sustenance 

To  those  who  banquet  there  ? 

No  want,  O  Shepherd  !  can  we  know, 

No  danger  can  molest ; 
Safe  through  thy  power  from  every  foe, 
•  Arid  in  thy  plenty  blest. 


JESUS    AT    NAZARETH.  45 

Kind  Shepherd  !   well  we  know  thy  voice. 

May  we  of  thee  be  known  ! 
Thy  paths  of  peace  our  constant  choice, 

Oh  keep  us  still  thine  own  ! 


XX  Y. 

JESUS  AT  NAZARETH. 

Luke  IV.   14-31. 

And  he  came  to  Nazareth,  where  he  had  been  brought  up. 
Yerse  16. 

Through  many  scenes  of  toil  and  pain 

The  holy  Teacher  passed, 
And  now  his  early  home  again 

Before  him  rose  at  last. 
He  saw  it ;   that  beloved  scene 

Could  never  be  forgot ; 
The  hill,  the  plains  of  waving  green, 

His  mother's  low-roofed  cot. 

Beneath  those  trees  to  meditate 

Oft  had  he  held  his  way, 
When  on  his  soul  the  awful  weight 

Of  his  great  purpose  lay. 


46  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

There  had  he  turned  to  gaze  upon 

The  sunset's  rosy  sky, 
And  as  its  glory  o'er  him  shone, 

His  prayer  had  risen  on  high. 

Oh  !  wounded  with  the  world's  keen  darts, 

How  would  he  rest  him  there; 
How  breathe  mid  sympathizing  hearts 

His  message  and  his  prayer  ! 
It  may  not  be;   his  kindred  turn 

In  pitying  scorn  away  ; 
The  elders  of  his  village  spurn, 

The  people  seek  to  slay. 

O  ye  who  ask,  nor  ask  in  vain, 

In  home  a  place  of  rest, 
For  weary  powers  and  throbbing  brain, 

By  daily  cares  oppressed, 
Remember  what  He  bore  who  found 

No  place  of  sweet  repose, 
And  while  with  blessings  richly  crowned 

Think  on  your  Saviour's  woes. 


CALL    OF    PETER.  47 


XXVI. 

CALL   OF  PETER. 

Luke  V.  1  -  16. 

And  Jesus  said  unto  Simon,  Fear  not ;  from  henceforth  thou  shalt 
catch  men.  —  Verse  10. 

The  wind  was  hushed  on  Galilee, 

As  near  its  waveless  flood, 
With  thought  as  calm  as  that  fair  sea, 

A  lowly  fisher  stood. 

A  voice  was  heard,  as  on  the  lake 
Is  heard  the  whispering  breeze, 

Gentle,  yet  mighty  to  awake 
The  grandeur  of  the  seas. 

Years  passed  away;  the  humble  man 

Who  stood  unheeding  there, 
No  more  at  early  dawn' began 

The  fisher's  tranquil  care. 

Him,  palaces  of  eastern  pride 

Now  hailed,  an  honored  guest ; 

And  now,  the  lowliest  couch  beside, 
He  spoke  of  heavenly  rest. 


48  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

He  bore,  through  perils  far  and  near 

His  Saviour's  holy  name  ; 
He  yielded  not  to  hope  or  fear, 

To  indolence  or  shame. 

That  Saviour's  presence  cheered  his  breast 
Through  every  varied  scene ; 

That  faith  his  dying  hour  confessed 
In  martyrdom  serene. 

Lord  !  when  engrossed  in  earth  and  sense, 

Thy  glory  may  we  see ; 
And  may  thy  gracious  influence 

Call  us  to  follow  thee. 


SERMON    OX    THE    MOUNT.  49 


XXVII. 

COMMENCEMENT   OF  THE  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT. 

Matthew    V.   1-16 


Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
-  Verse  3. 


Upon  a  Syrian  mountain's  brow- 
There  sat  a  peasant  of  the  land, 

While  round  him  gathered,  silent  now, 
From  vale  and  plain  a  countless  band. 

With  eager  expectation  filled, 

On  his  controlling  words  they  hung; 

A  thousand  stormy  hearts  were  stilled, 
As  rose  the  accents  of  his  tongue. 

From  David's  old  heroic  line, 

Men  said,  that  peasant  prophet  rose; 
And  well  they  deemed,  his  voice  divine 

Would  call  to  vengeance  on  their  foes. 
In  thought  they  grasped  the  bloody  sword, 

While  Rome's  dread  legions  o'er  the  plain, 
Fled  from  the  armies  of  the  Lord, 

Or  sunk  in  fight,  by  thousands  slain. 
4 


50  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

They  thought  of  him  in  Elah's  vale, 

Who  brought  the  heathen  giant  low,* 
Of  armed  Assyria's  frantic  wail, 

At  the  daik  angel's  midnight  blow.t 
Of  Judas,  lion  of  the  fight, 

And  his  bold  brethren's  deathless  name, 
Who  tamed  the  Macedonian  might, 

And  lit  anew  the  altar's  flame.  J 

But  hark,  the  prophet !   "  Blest  are  they 

The  poor  in  spirit,  peaceful,  meek, 
Who  good  for  others'  ill  repay, 

And  righteousness  and  mercy  seek. 
Blest  are  the  mourners;  blest  are  those 

Who  bleed  from  persecution's  rod  ; 
For  calm  in  heaven  shall  they  repose ; 

The  pure  in  heart  shall  see  their  God." 

They  turn  away  with  mournful  brow; 

Their  hopes  of  power  and  vengeance  cease. 
Stern  Israel  cannot  learn  to  bow 

To  thy  mild  sceptre,  Prince  of  Peace ! 
Yet  dost  thou  reign  ;  no  earthly  throne 

Confines  thee  to  its  scanty  sway ; 
But  age  on  age  shall  be  thine  own, 

Earth's  thousand  tribes  thy  laws  obey. 

*  1  Samuel  rvii.  t  2  Kings  xix.  35. 

1 1  Maccabees  iii.  1  :  iv.  38. 


RETURNING    GOOD    FOR    EVIL.  51 


XXVJUL 

RETURNING  GOOD   FOR  EVIL. 

Matthew  V.  17  -48. 

But  I  say  unto  you,  Love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse  you, 
do  good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully 
use  you  and  persecute  you.  —  Verse  44. 

Not  by  thy  lips  alone, 
Blest  Saviour  !   was  thy  law  of  love  declared, 

But  in  thy  life  of  gentleness  it  shone,     . 
When  even  thy  foes  in  thy  compassion  shared. 

When  on  the  cross  of  shame 
The  bitterness  of  death  thy  spirit  wrung, 

Then  from  thy  lips  what  words  of  mercy  came, 
What  gentle  pleading  melted  from  thy  tongue ! 

Yet  on  thy  law  of  love, 
In  admiration  blent  with  doubt  we  gaze, 

And  fear  lest  human  strength  too  feeble  prove 
To  that  majestic  height  our  souls  to  raise. 

But  thou  hast  gone  before; 
That  height  of  holiness  't  was  thine  to  climb, 

And  we,  the  pupils  of  thy  sacred  lore, 
Can  we  not  emulate  thy  love  sublime  ? 


52  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

And  if  to  thee  the  strife 
Was  less,  through  union  with  the  God  of  love, 

Over  our  humbler  path  of  common  life 
Hovers,  as  over  thee,  the  heavenly  dove. 

What  we  must  bear  below, 
How  light  to  all  that  thou,  our  Lord,  hast  borne, 

The  thorny  crown,  the  scourge,  the  cross  of  woe, 
And  thy  relentless  foemen's  bitter  scorn. 

Lord  !  thou  canst  make  us  strong  ! 
Control  the  proud  heart ;   bend  the  stubborn  will  ; 
May  we,  when  injured,  meekly  bear  the  wrong, 
And  make  our  good  victorious  over  ill ! 


GOD    WHO 


N    SECRET.  53 


XXIX. 

GOD  WHO  IS  IN  SECRET. 

Matthew  VI. 

Thy  Father  which  is  in  secret.  —  Verse  6. 

Where  is  thy  dwelling-place,  Eternal  One? 

In  vain  we  search  the  illimitable  heaven  ; 
For  never  yet  the  brightness  of  thy  throne 

Was  to  the  sight  of  favored  mortals  given. 

The  humblest  lily  of  the  field  displays 

Thy  bounty,  and  reveals  thy  matchless  skill  ; 

But  when  our  thoughts  to  thee  we  strive  to  raise, 
The  mighty  Artist  is  in  secret  still. 

Within  our  hearts  we  know  thee ;  there  are  springs 
Oft  rising,  that  attest  our  Father's  grace; 

But  though  we  mark  ihe  current's  wanderings, 
Vainly  we  seek  the  hidden  source  to  trace. 

God,  who  in  secret  seest  us !  In  the  hour 

Of  solitude,  do  thou  thyself  reveal. 
Led  by  thy  love,  and  awed  before  thy  power, 

Grant  us  the  presence  of  our  God  to  feel. 


54 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


A  time  shall  come,  when  bound  no  longer  here, 
Our  spirits  shall  to  other  scenes  ascend. 

Then,  God  of  mercy,  may  we  find  thee  near, 
And  own  the  Almighty  evermore  our  friend ! 


XXX. 

CONCLUSION  OF  THE   SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT. 

Matthew  VII. 

Whosoever  beareth  these  sayings  of  mine,  and  doeth  them,  I  will 
liken  him  unto  a  wise  man,  which  built  his  house  upon  a  rock.  — 
Verse  24. 

When  by  pain  and  care  oppressed, 
Anguish  fills  the  trembling  breast, 
When  our  earthly  comforts  fail, 
When  temptation's  floods  assail, 
Father  !  in  that  fearful  hour, 
Aid  us  by  thy  heavenly  power, 

When  the  blasts  of  adverse  fate 
Leave  the  mighty  desolate, 
When  around  in  ruin  wide 
Fall  the  lofty  domes  of  pride, 
May  our  tower  of  safety  be, 
Rock  of  ages  !  based  on  thee. 


SERMON    ON    THE    MOUNT.  55 

Transient  are  the  joys  of  earth, 
As  the  hour  that  gives  them  birth  ; 
Faithless  as  a  lovely  dream, 
Fading  at  the  morning's  beam  ; 
Treacherous  as  the  fleeting  sand, 
Wave-washed  on  the  ocean's  strand. 

But  thy  servants'  trust,  O  Lord ! 

Rests  on  thine  unfailing  word, 

On  the  precepts  Jesus  gave, 

On  our  Father's  will  to  save, 

On  the  strength,  and  light,  and  love, 

Beaming  from  thy  throne  above. 


56  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XXXI. 

CHRIST  RAISES  THE   WIDOW'S  SON. 
Luke  VII.   1-16. 


Behold,  there  was  a  dead  man  carried  out,  the  only  son  of  his 
mother,  and  she  was  a  widow.  —  Verse  12. 


Few  were  the  joys  the  widow  knew, 

In  poverty  resigned  ; 
But  one  loved  boy  beside  her  grew, 

Obedient,  faithful,  kind. 
His  bounding  step,  his  glance  so  bright, 

Filled  the  low  cot  with  joy ; 
The  mother  gazed  with  fond  delight, 

Upon  her  noble  boy. 

Years  passed,  and  every  passing  year 

Some  fresh  adornment  gave. 
Oh  oft  the  loveliest  beings  here 

Are  earliest  for  the  grave  ! 
Years  passed  ;  he  stood  in  manhood's  grace, 

Still  duteous  by  her  side; 
And  she  could  mark  his  father's  face, 

With  sadness,  yet  with  pride. 


CHRIST    RAISES    THE    WIDOW'S    SON.  57 

It  came,  —  the  inscrutable  decree! 
"The  will  of  God  be  done  !  " 
The  widow  said,  and  bent  the  knee, 

Beside  her  lifeless  son. 
Her  heart  was  broken  ;  yet  she  bore 

Meekly  God's  holy  will, 
And,  while  she  felt  life's  joy  was  o'er, 

She  suffered,  and  was  still. 

It  was  not  o'er.     A  voice  was  heard, 

Of  calm  but  awful  sound; 
And  Death,  at  that  controlling  word, 

His  iron  chain  unbound. 
Mourner!  that  voice  e'en  now  can  save: 

And  calm,  submissive  Faith 
Can  gain  the  victory  o'er  the  grave, 

And  wrest  the  stinsr  from  Death. 


58  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XXXII. 

CURE  OP  DEMONIACS. 

Matthew  VIII.  18-34. 

There  met  him  two  possessed  with  devils,  coming  out  of  the 
tombs,  exceeding  fierce,  so  that  no  man  might  pass  by  that  way.  — 
Verse  28. 

O  uncreated  Light  and  Love, 
Beaming  in  majesty  above ! 
Thou  who  didst  grant  the  mental  ray 
At  nature's  dawn,  to  worthless  clay, 
And  through  thy  Son's  blest  word  unbind 
The  veil  that  hid  the  darkened  mind  j 
Still  bid  the  powers  of  evil  tlee, 
And  sanctify  our  souls  to  thee ! 

O  banish  from  thy  servants'  path, 
The  demon  host  of  Scorn  and  Wrath, 
Error,  with  wildly  beaming  eye, 
And  dull  Insensibility, 
Blind  Prejudice,  and  fierce  Desire, 
And  Malice,  with  his  heart  of  fire. 
At  thy  command  we  burst  their  chain, 
And  in  thy  freedom  rise  again. 


CURE    OF    DEMONIACS.  59 

When  dimly  lie  before  us  spread 
The  silent  regions  of  the  dead, 
While  their  stern  king  the  unerring  dart 
Points  at  the  Christian's  trembling  heart, 
Thy  mercy,  Lord!  shall  still  sustain; 
The  last  dread  foe  shall  frown  in  vain; 
Thy  sons  shall  pass  the  valley  o'er, 
And  in  thy  heavenly  courts  adore. 


60  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XXXIII. 

CHRIST  AT  CAPERNAUM. 

Mark  II.    1-22. 

And  straightway  many  were  gathered  together,  insomuch  that 
there  was  no  room  to  receive  them,  no,  not  so  much  as  about  the 
door.  —  Verse  2. 

And  he  went  forth  again  by  the  sea-side  ;  and  all  the  multitude 
resorted  unto  him,  and  he  taught  them.  —  Verse  13. 

Upox  Tiberias'  shore  he  stood, 

The  object  of  a  thousand  eves, 
Where  now  beside  the  lonely  flood 

All  desolate  Capernaum  lies.* 
Then  commerce  sought  the  crowded  strand, 

And  fertile  fields  around  were  bright, 
Before  the  Roman's  iron  hand 

Had  o'er  them  thrown  war's  crimson  blight. 

Yet  in  that  hour,  when,  promised  long, 
Their  King,  beloved  of  God,  was  near, 

The  city  poured  her  countless  throng 
Messiah's  voice  of  love  to  hear. 

*  "  Buckingham,  Burckhardt.  and  some  other  writers,  believe  it  to 
have  been  the  place  now  called  Talhhewn,  where  there  are  ruins  in- 
dicative of  a  considerable  place  at  some  former  period/'  —  Robin- 
son's Calmet  ;  Article  "  Capernaum." 


CHRIST    AT    CAPERNAUM.  61 

They  saw  his  works;  delighted  hung 
Upon  his  doctrine's  glorious  word, 

As  when  some  lovely  lay  is  sung, 
With  raptures  of  a  moment  heard.* 

Oh  had  they  given  to  him  their  heart 

In  faithfulness  of  zeal  and  love, 
And  borne  through  good  and  ill  their  part 

Their  service  to  their  Lord  to  prove, 
Then  had  Judea  raised  her  head, 

In  glory  nevermore  to  cease, 
O'er  mightiest  realms  her  conquests  spread, 

Beneath  thy  banner,  Prince  of  Peace ! 

And  oh,  our  Saviour!   when  to  thee 

With  eager  love  our  spirits  turn, 
Make  us  from  sin's  enthralment  free, 

Nor  vainly  let  affection  burn. 
Not  only  in  excitement's  hour, 

But  till  the  day  of  life  shall  end, 
Make  us  to  feel  thy  Gospel's  power, 

And  own  thee  evermore  our  friend. 

*  "  And  lo.  thou  art  unto  them  as  a  very  lovely  scfng  of  one  that 
hath  a  pleasant  voice,  and  can  play  well  on  an  instrument ;  for  they 
hear  thy  words,  but  they  do  them  not."  —  Ezekiel  xxxiii.  32. 


62  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


xxxi  v: 

THE  DAUGHTER  OF  JAIRUS. 

Luke  VIII.  41-56. 

But  he  said,  Weep  not ;  she  is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth.  —  Verse  52, 

The  last  faint  sigh  is  o'er,  and  by  the  side 

Of  her  dead  child  the  hopeless  mourner  weepeth ; 
But  hark  !  the  Saviour's  voice  doth  gently  chide  ; 
"  Weep  not,"  he  saith,  "  she  is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth." 

Even  thus,  in  hours  of  anguish  like  to  hers, 
Can  we  not  hear  that  voice,  despair  reproving? 

The  Saviour  to  his  trustful  followers 
Half  takes  away  the  agony  of  loving. 

For  oh  !  in  love's  sweet  rose  an  unseen  thorn 
Still  lurks  ;  the  object  we  so  fondly  cherish, 

From  the  embrace  of  fond  affection  torn, 

May  in  the  springtime  of  our  gladness  perish. 

"  She  is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth."     At  thy  word, 
Blest  Saviour  !  life  upon  that  cheek  was  blooming. 

Thus  shall  our  loved  ones  rise,  when  thou,  O  Lord  ! 
Shalt  call  them  forth,  the  light  of  life  reluming. 


THE    DAUGHTER    OF    JAIRUS.  63 

We  will  not  think  them  dead ;  their  trials  done, 
Calmly  they  sleep,  their  God's  protection  sharing ; 

Or  like  their  Saviour,  they  before  have  gone, 

A  place  for  those  they  loved  in  heaven  preparing. 

How  knelt  those  parents  at  Messiah's  feet, 

The  thanks  of  overflowing  hearts  addressing  ! 

How  should  our  praise  the  God  of  mercy  greet, 
For  faith's  bright  vision  of  the  promised  blessing ! 


64  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL 


XXXV. 

CHRIST'S  CHARGE   TO  HIS  APOSTLES. 

Matthew  X. 

He  that  taketh  not  up  his  cross,  and  followeth  after  me,  is  not 
worthy  of  me.  —  Verse  38. 

"  On  !  till  we  place  it  there, 

His  cross  let  Jesus  bear  !  " 
'T  was  thus  his  harsh  command  the  Roman  gave. 

The  fainting  Son  of  God 

Beneath  his  burthen  trod 
That  last  sad  journey,  ending  with  the  grave. 

Burthen  of  shame  and  woe ! 

How  does  the  heart  o'erflow 
At  thought  of  him,  that  bitter  cross  who  bore, 

But  we  have  each  our  own, 

To  others  oft  unknown, 
Which  we  must  bear  till  life  shall  be  no  more. 

And  shall  we  fear  to  tread, 

The  path  where  Jesus  led, 
The  pure,  the  holy  one,  for  us  who  died  ? 

Or  shall  we  shrink  at  shame, 

Endured  for  Jesus'  name, 
Our  glorious  Lord,  once  spurned  and  crucified  ? 


Christ's  charge  to  his  apostles.  65 

If  through  the  accursed  tree, 

We  might  be  worthy  thee, 
Saviour  !   accepted  in  thy  world  on  high, 

Would  we  not  boldly  dare 

Even  thy  dread  cross  to  bear, 
Rejoicing  in  the  thought,  like  thee  to  die  ? 

Then  midst  the  woes  that  wait 

On  this  our  mortal  state, 
Patience  shall  cheer  affliction,  toil,  and  loss; 

And  though  the  tempter's  art 

Assail  our  struggling  heart, 
Still,  Saviour  !  in  thy  name  we  bear  our  cross. 


66 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XXXVI. 

CHRIST'S  EULOGY  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST. 

Matthew  XI.  1  -  19. 

Among  them  that  are  horn  of  women,  there  hath  not  risen  a  great- 
er than  John  the  Baptist ;  notwithstanding,  he  that  is  least  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  is  greater  than  he.  —  Verse  11. 

Why  to  the  desert  went  ye  forth  to  gaze, 

Tribes  of  the  Lord  1     What  object  saw  ye  there 

To  draw  you  from  the  city's  crowded  ways, 
Your  daily  walks  of  pleasure  and  of  care, 

And  fix  your  thousands  there  in  breathless  awe, 

Submissive  to  receive  the  Almighty's  law  ? 

Was  he  to  whom  ye  listened  as  a  reed 

By  the  wind  shaken,  wavering  and  unsure? 

He  who  aspires  the  flock  of  God  to  feed, 

Upright  and  steadfast,  must  the  storm  endure, 

Owning  no  law  but  duty's  lofty  call, 

God's  will  to  him  must  ay  be  all  in  all. 

Wore  he  soft  raiment,  as  they  wear  who  dwell 
In  kingly  mansions  1     No  ;  his  rude  attire 

The  message  of  his  lips  befitted  well ; 
Stern  warning  to  the  guilty,  words  of  fire 


CHRIST  S    EULOGY    OF    JOHN    THE    BAPTIST.  O 

To  melt  the  frozen  heart,  and  bid  to  flow 

In  brightness  forth,  its  stream  now  dull  and  slow. 

Greatest  among  the  prophets  !    He  went  forth, 

Or  to  the  desert  or  the  royal  hall, 
Indifferent  where,  clad  in  his  own  high  worth, 

And  listening  ever  to  the  spirit's  call, 
Its  awful  mandates  still  prepared  to  bring 
To  guilty  people,  or  to  guilty  king. 

Forever,  lofty  prophet,  shines  thy  fame  ; 

Yet  greater,  girt  with  more  resistless  might, 
The  least  of  those,  who  in  the  Saviour's  name 

And  in  the  Saviour's  spirit  dare  the  fight. 
Prayers  are  their  weapons,  patience  their  defence; 
They  conquer  all  by  love's  omnipotence. 


68  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XXXVII. 

THE  WEEPING  WOMAN  IN  THE  PHARISEE'S  HOUSE. 

Luke  VIT.  36-50. 

Which  of  them  will  love  him  most  ?     Simon  answered  and  said, 
I  suppose  that  he  to  whom  he  forgave  most.  —  Verses  42,  43. 

Lord,  we  have  wandered  far, 
Far  from  thy  blessed  light. 
We  own  and  feel  how  frail  we  are, 
How  sinful  in  thy  sight. 

But  in  the  darkest  hour, 
Thy  voice.  O  Lord  !   we  hear  ; 
It  breathes  forgiveness,  hope  and  power, 
It  speaks  our  Father  near. 

Lord  !  thou  hast  much  forgiven, 
O  may  our  love  arise 
In  grateful  incense  to  thy  heaven, 
A  worthy  sacrifice. 

Saviour  !  it  is  not  ours 
To  bathe  with  tears  thy  feet, 
To  strew  thy  way  with  votive  flowers, 
With  gifts  of  price  to  greet. 


MISSION    OF    THE    SEVENTY    DISCIPLES. 

Yet  from  the  grateful  heart 
Our  thanks  may  ri.-e  above, 
And  never  from  our  souls  depart 
The  memory  of  thy  love. 


XXXYIII. 

MISSION  OF  THE  SEVENTY  DISCIPLES. 

Luke  X.  1  -  24. 

And  the  seventy  returned  again  with  joy.  saying,  Lord,  even  the 
devils  are  subject  unto  us  through  thy  name.  And  he  said  unto 
thein,  I  beheld  Satan  as  lightning  fall  from  heaven.  —  Verses  17.  1;. 

Oft  on  the  great  Messiah's  way, 

When  the  harsh  din  of  conflict  rose, 
And  toil  and  peril  round  him  lay, 

While  men  and  fiends  alike  were  foes, 
Visions  of  glorious  scenes  to  come 

Were  sent  by  Heaven  to  cheer  his  sight, 
As  the  faint  ray  from  distant  home 

Revives  the  wanderer's  heart  at  night. 

Thus,  when  with  eye  and  heart  of  joy 
Back  from  their  toil  the  seventy  came, 

And  told  that  on  that  high  employ 
Demons  had  bowed  before  thy  name, 


70  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL, 

The  lofty  prophet-spirit  woke 

Within  thy  breast,  God's  holy  Son  ! 

And  forth  the  rapt  announcement  broke 
Of  conquest  by  thy  people  won. 

Not  Moses,  when  in  age  he  strung 

For  Israel  the  prophetic  lyre, 
Not  David,  when  the  lays  he  sung 

Were  glowing  with  devotion's  fire, 
So  high  an  inspiration  knew, 

Or  owned  a  vision  so  sublime, 
As  when  his  glance  the  Saviour  threw 

Down  the  far  stream  of  coming  time. 

Satan  he  saw  as  lightning  fall 

Before  the  conquest  of  his  word, 
The  power  that  held  the  world  in  thrall 

Bow  to  the  sceptre  of  the  Lord. 
O'er  coming  centuries  as  they  rolled 

He  saw  his  cross  triumphant  rise, 
Till  the  millennial  age  of  gold 

Bounded  the  scene  and  touched  the  skies. 

Yes,  mighty  King  !  The  power  is  thine; 

By  God  to  thee  of  old  't  was  given. 
O  let  thy  peaceful  banner  shine, 

And  evil  from  the  world  be  driven. 
O  Father!   arm  our  zeal  and  love, 

To  aid  the  triumphs  of  thy  Son, 
Till  here,  as  in  thy  heaven  above, 

Thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be  done  ! 


THE    GOOD    SAMARITAN.  71 


XXXIX. 

THE  GOOD  SAMARITAN. 

Luke  X.  25-42. 

Go  and  do  thou  likewise.  —  Verse  37. 

Go  forth,  disciple  of  the  blessed  one, 

Thou  art  not  sent  on  earth  to  live  in  vain ; 

Thou  hast  a  task  that  must  ere  night  be  done; 
Forth  to  the  world,  where  sin  and  suffering  reign. 

Wherever  pines  in  woe  a  human  heart, 
If  thou  canst  aid,  go  find  thy  duty  there; 

Where  sin's  wild  votaries  choose  the  evil  part, 
Be  prompt  to  rescue,  merciful  to  spare. 

O,  thou  may'st  close  thine  eyes  against  the  ills 
That  near  thy  prosperous  dwelling  darkly  flow; 

And  while  base  joy  thy  selfish  bosom  fills, 
Pass  on,  forgetful  of  thy  brethren's  woe. 

There  comes  an  hour,  when  from  the  spirit's  ken 
The  mists  that  veil  shall  lightly  float  away ; 

Then  haply  mid  the  haunts  of  suffering  men, 
Shalt  thou  the  traces  of  thy  path  survey. 


72  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Then  with  what  grief  will  negligence  behold 
The  dark  results  of  former  ill  employ  ! 

How  will  the  spirit,  that  for  God  was  bold, 
Taste  in  its  faithful  deeds  celestial  joy  ! 

On  that  chilled  hearth,  where  penury  droops  to  die, 
How  had  thy  bounty  lit  the  cheering  flame  ! 

How  had  kind  words  of  Christian  sympathy 
Turned  to  a  better  path  yon  child  of  shame! 

The  heart  thy  careless  sneers  had  taught  to  scorn 
The  holier  feelings  of  its  youthful  hours, 

Now  void  of  virtue,  and  of  hope  forlorn, 
To  vilest  uses  turns  the  noblest  powers. 

Go  thou,  and  serve  thy  God,  while  lasts  the  day  ; 

Then  when  the  night  shall  come,  may  visions  rise 
Of  those  around  whose  path  a  gladdening  ray 

Has  fallen  from  thy  gentle  charities. 

Then  shall  the  sons  of  want  around  thee  stand, 
Who   through  thy  bounteous  care  were  clothed 
and  fed  ; 

The  young  offender,  whom  thy  pitying  hand 
Rescued  from  vice,  and  to  the  Saviour  led. 

Yet  more ;  the  love  that  casts  out  every  fear 
Shall  ceaseless  thy  rejoicing  anthem  swell ; 

And  here  on  earth,  and  in  the  eternal  sphere, 
Thy  Saviour  and  thy  God  with  thee  shall  dwell. 


COURAGE  IN  THE  CAUSE  OF  CHRIST. 


XL. 

COURAGE  IN  THE   CAUSE  OF  CHRIST. 

Luke  XII.  1  -  12. 

Be  not  afraid  of  them  that  kill  the  body.  — Verse  4. 
Whosoever  shall  confess  me  before  men.  him  shall  the  Son  of  man 
also  confess  before  the  angels  of  God.  —  Verse  S. 

*  There  sat  within  a  dungeon's  gloom 

A  female  form  of  mournful  orace. 
Thoughts  of  her  stern  approaching  doom 

Had  driven  the  rose-tint  from  her  face. 
Yet  not  for  that,  amid  her  woe, 

Did  her  high  heart  its  faith  resign  ; 
And  that  pale  cheek  at  times  would  glow 

With  light,  whose  glory  was  divine. 

They  came,  the  dear  ones  of  her  hearth, 
To  whom  her  earthly  love  was  given; 

They  strove  to  win  again  to  earth 
The  spirit,  ready  now  for  heaven. 

*  The  incidents  of  these  lines  were  taken,  with  scarcely  any  alter- 
ation, from  the  narrative  of  the  martyrdom  of  Perpetua,  A.  D.  202. 
See  Milmans  History  of  Christianity,  Book  II.  Chap.  viii. 


74  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Husband  and  sister  sued  in  vain, 

In  vain,  though  burning  tears  replied  ; 

To  love  she  gave  those  drops  of  pain, 
Triumphant  over  all  beside. 

Her  aged  father  came  and  knelt, 

Bowed  his  white  locks  before  his  child  ; 
And  the  sad  daughter  deeply  felt, 

Yet  through  her  tears  looked  up  and  smiled. 
They  brought  her  infant ;  as  he  lay 

Before  her,  in  his  slumber  fair, 
Almost  the  mother's  heart  gave  way, 

But  God  had  heard  his  martyr's  prayer. 

Her  strength  arose.     "  My  child  shall  be 

Safe  in  thy  sheltering  care,  my  God  ! 
I  give  him,  this  sad  hour,  to  thee  ; 

And  when  this  dreadful  path  is  trod, 
May  I  not  hope,  in  robes  of  light 

To  hover  o'er  his  slumbering  head, 
And  o'er  my  father's  locks  of  white 

A  spirit-daughter's  blessing  shed?" 

She  died;  that  spirit,  calm  and  high, 

Sustained  her  through  the  dreadful  hour. 
She  died  as  those  alone  can  die 

Whom  faith  in  God  has  girt  with  power. 
To  her  own  fearless  heart,  her  hand 

Guided  the  gladiator's  sword. 
Yet,  through  their  grief,  the  Christian  band 

That  night  the  hymn  of  triumph  poured. 


COURAGE  IX  THE  CAUSE  OF  CHRIST.        /Q 

The  pure,  the  faithful,  was  at  rest ; 

For  her  a  glorious  crown  was  won, 
And  now  in  mansions  of  the  blest, 

On  that  fair  brow  forever  shone. 
And  courage  rose  to  meet  their  death, 

In  those  the  Christians'  path  who  trod ; 
And,  won  by  her  undaunted  faith, 

A  thousand  heathen  turned  to  God. 


76  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XLL 

TRUST  IN  DIVINE  PROTECTION. 

Luke  XII.  13-34. 

Fear  not,  little  flock;  for  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to  give 
you  the  kingdom.  —  Verse  32. 

Fear  not,  my  chosen  flock, 
Though  through  the  wilds  ye  go. 
Forth  from  the  everlasting  Rock 
The  living  waters  flow. 

Afar  that  awful  height 
Its  cooling  shadow  throws, 
And  the  green  pastures  there  invite 
To  banquet  and  repose. 

Christian  !  though  all  around 

Doubts  rise,  and^  cares  annoy. 

Fear  not ;  beyond  this  narrow  bound 

Lie  realms  of  peace  and  joy. 

Should  danger  threaten  life, 
It  cannot  kill  the  soul  ; 
Then,  Christian,  steadfast  meet  the  strife; 
Thy  God  can  make  thee  whole. 


TRUST    IN    DIVINE    PROTECTION. 

Fear  not,  though  sin  assail. 
Thou  hast  a  friend  within; 
In  faith's  impenetrable  mail 
Thou  yet  shalt  conquer  sin. 

Fear  not,  though  life  depart ; 
But  lift  thy  closing  eye. 
The  Saviour  whispers  to  thy  heart, 
"  Mine  is  the  victory." 


78  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XLII. 

DUTY  OF  WATCHFULNESS. 

Luke  XII.  35-59. 

Blessed  are  those  servants,  whom  the  lord,  when  he  cometh,  shall 
find  watching.  —  Verse  37. 

Redeemer  !  by  thy  care  and  love, 
A  charge  is  given  us  from  above. 
In  constant  duty  must  we  wait 
As  servants  at  their  master's  gate; 
Remembering  all  thy  holy  law, 
With  zealous  love,  and  fear,  and  awe, 
And  ready,  when  our  Lord  shall  come, 
Joyful  to  bid  him  welcome  home. 

Blest  are  the  servants  whom  their  lord 
Thus  finds  obedient  to  his  word. 
Fearless  may  they  his  presence  meet, 
And  as  their  friend,  their  master  greet. 
His  eye  their  ready  love  shall  see, 
And  mark  their  tried  fidelity; 
And  kindness  from  his  lips  shall  flow, 
And  larcre  rewards  his  hands  bestow. 


DUTY    OF    WATCHFULNESS. 

Thus,  holy  Master,  in  the  day 
When  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 
When,  in  the  world's  astonished  sight, 
Thy  throne  of  judgment  stands  in  light, 
May  we,  from  every  terror  free, 
That  awful  preparation  see  ; 
And,  e'en  in  nature's  closing  hour, 
Bless  our  Redeemer's  love  and  power. 


80  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XLIII. 

THE  BARREN  FIG-TREE. 

Luke  XIII. 

Behold,  these  three  years  I  come  seeking  fruit  on  this  fig-tree,  and 
find  none  ;  cut  it  down  ;  why  cumbereth  it  the  ground  ? —  Verse  7. 

Year  passeth  after  year.     O  Lord  our  God  ! 

Thy  mercy  spares  us,  and  thy  might  sustains. 
Sometimes  we  feel  the  chastening  of  thy  rod, 

Sometimes  thy  love  with  gentle  voice  complains. 
By  turns  thy  sun  hath  smiled,  thy  storms  have  frowned, 
No  worthy  fruit  is  ours,  vain  cumberers  of  the  ground. 

Shouldst  thou  in  anger  speak,  Lord !  who  could  stand 
Before  thy  justice  in  its  dreadful  hour? 

Who  could  endure  the  thunders  of  thy  hand, 
What  human  might  arrest  thy  sovereign  power? 

Spare  us,  O  God,  thy  mercy  we  implore! 

Grant  to  the  barren  tree  space  for  on^  trial  more. 

One  trial  more!  If  then  we  bear  no  fruit, 
O  God  of  justice  !  who  shall  longer  stay 

Thine  arm?     Behold  the  axe  is  at  the  root. 
O  let  repentance  prune  our  faults  away. 

Thy  grace,  O  Lord  !  in  plenteous  showers  descend, 

And  bid  the  rescued  boughs  with  clustering  honors 
bend. 


THE    RAISING    OF    LAZARUS.  81 


XLIV. 

THE  RAISING  OF  LAZARUS. 
John  XI. 

Jesus  wept.  —  Verse  3.3. 

He  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  Lazarus,  come  forth.  —  Verse  43. 

The  sisters  whom  the  Saviour  loved 
Have  sent,  their  Master's  aid  to  claim  ; 

And  is  that  gentle  heart  unmoved, 

Summoned  in  friendship's  hallowed  name? 

Firm  heart  of  faith  !   He  knows  his  power 
From  death's  approach  his  friend  could  save  ; 

Yet,  keenly  feeling,  waits  the  hour 
Till  Lazarus  sinly  into  the  grave. 

And  now  't  is  o'er  ;  his  spirit  knows 
His  friend  hath  felt  death's  icy  chain  : 

Now  to  the  presence  of  his  foes 

Steadfast  he  leads  his  mournful  train. 

What  female  form,  with  pallid  cheek, 

Sinks  at  his  feet  and  breathes  her  moan  ? 

As  Jesus  hears  her  accents  meek, 
The  sufferer's  woe  recalls  his  own. 
6 


82 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL 


Yet  there  is  comfort ;   "  He  shall  rise  ; 
In  life  renewed  thy  friend  shall  stand." 
"  I  know,"  the  pious  mourner  cries, 

"  In  the  last  hour,  at  God's  right  hand." 

With  the  same  words,  lo  !  Mary  kneels. 

The  thought  that  seems  her  Lord  to  chide, 
Her  reverent  love  but  half  reveals; 
"  Hadst  thou  been  here,  he  had  not  died." 

He  groans;  he  seeks  the  recent  grave; 

He  weeps ;  the  touch  of  grief  and  love 
Thrills  through  his  breast,  as  to  the  cave 

The  sad  assembly  silent  move. 

The  form  that  once  was  Lazarus  lies 
Cold  in  death's  marble  stillness  there. 
"  Father  !  I  thank  thee,"  Jesus  cries  ; 
"  I  know  thou  always  hear'st  my  prayer  ! 

"  Lazarus,  come  forth  !  "  Nor  doubt  nor  fear 
Disturbed  that  calm,  majestic  tone  ; 
Nor  vainly  on  death's  clay-cold  ear 
Rung  thy  command,  God's  holy  Son  ! 

On  the  dim  eyes,  the  light  again 
Bade  the  fair  forms  of  nature  rise, 

While  through  chilled  heart  and  pulseless  vein 
Life's  newly  wakened  current  flies. 


CHRIST  GREATER  THAN  SOLOMON.         83 

Thou,  who  didst  shed  those  loving  tears, 
Then  speak  that  word  of  power  divine! 

When  thy  dread  summons  nature  hears, 
Redeemer  !  own  us  then  for  thine  ! 


XLV. 
CHRIST  GREATER  THAN  SOLOMON. 

Matthew  XTI.  22-50. 
A  greater  than  Solomou  is  here.  —  Verse  42. 

High  was  the  glory  which  thy  kingdom  graced, 
Wise  son  of  David,  when  on  Israel's  throne 

By  thy  great  father's  hand  securely  placed 

The  crown  of  Amnion*  on  thy  temples  shone. 

Ephraim  with  Judah  vied  to  own  thy  sway, 

And  far  Euphrates'  tribes  united  to  obey.  ' 

High  was  thy  glory.     War  was  heard  no  more; 

Egypt  and  Sidon  thine  alliance  sought; 
And  gold  and  gems  from  distant  Ophir's  shore 

In  rich  profusion  to  thy  halls  were  brought; 
Her  soft-toned  lyre  for  thee  had  pleasure  strung, 
And  Israel's  shouts  of  joy  around  thy  palace  rung. 

*  2  Samuel  xii.  30. 


84  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

High  was  thy  glory,  when  unstained  by  pride, 
Thou  sought'st  the  trophies  of  a  nobler  fame  ; 

Nor  was  thy  prayer  by  heavenly  graGe  denied, 
But  distant  lands  to  hear  thy  wisdom  came, 

And,  not  in  words  of  courtly  flattery, 

The  gray-haired  sages  owned  their  vanquisher  in  thee. 

And  highest,  when  in  that  unrivalled  fane, 

Planned  by  thy  wisdom,  by  thy  power  achieved, 

While  Asaph's  sons  high  raised  the  choral  strain, 
Thy  God  his  servant's  kingly  gift  received; 

His  glory  through  the  accepted  house  was  poured, 

And   kneeling  thousands  owned  the  presence   of  the 
Lord. 

Greatest  of  earthly  kings!     But  one  is  here, 
Before  whose  glory  even  thine  must  fade; 

Nations  before  his  throne  bent  not  in  fear, 

Nor  conquering  hosts  his  sovereign  will  obeyed. 

Meekness  his  robe,  and  truth  the  crown  he  bore, 

His  kingdom  is  the  heart,  his- reign  forevenuore. 


CHRIST    TEACHING    IN    PARABLES.  85 


XLVI. 

CHRIST  TEACHING   IX  PARABLES. 

Matthew  XIII.  1-23. 

And  he  spake  many  things  unto  them  in  parables,  saying,  Behold, 
sower  went  forth  to  sow.  —  Verse  3. 

Redeemer,  lowly  in  thy  majesty ! 

Thou  didst  not  give  thy  precepts  to  the  crowd 
Who  round  thee  gathered,  in  the  language  proud 

Of  man's  presuming,  cold  philosophy  ; 

But  with  benignant  look  and  friendly  voice 
Didst  thou  in  simple  tales  attention  win, 
And  lead  thy  people  from  the  founts  of  sin 

To  fix  on  life's  true  spring  their  hallowed  choice. 

Gracious  Redeemer,  may  we  learn  of  thee! 
Persuasion's  holiest  power  is  ay  denied 
To  the  stern  voice  and  stony  eye  of  pride ; 

Nor  can  the  feelings  flow  forth  warm  and  free, 
Save  when  in  him  who  pleads  the  cause  of  right 
A  loving  heart  and  simple  words  unite. 


86  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XLYII. 

EVIL  INFLUENCES.    PARABLE   OF  THE  TARES. 

Matthew  XIII.  24-53. 

An  enemy  hath  done  this.  —  Verse  23. 

I  marked  the  sprightly  air  of  youth 

As  life's  career  began, 
And  courage,  innocence  and  truth 

Gave  promise  of  the  man. 
A  sister's  heart  with  rapture  swelled, 

A  brother  gazed  with  joy, 
And  parents  with  deep  love  beheld 

The  duteous,  generous  boy. 

Again  I  looked  ;  the  manly  brow 

At  lawless  shrines  had  bent, 
The  lip  that  breathed  truth's  holy  vow 

To  vile  deceit  was  lent. 
The  eye  was  dim  with  long  excess; 

Nerveless  the  well-strung  frame, 
He  found  his  wretched  happiness 

In  deeds  of  sin  and  shame. 


EVIL    INFLUENCES.  87 

And  whence  that  ruin  !  Friendship's  hand 

The  fatal  cup  had  given  ; 
The  strength,  temptation  to  withstand, 

Had  not  been  sought  of  Heaven. 
To  the  false  friend's  insidious  voice 

Too  ready  ear  he  gave. 
More  would'st  thou  know  ?  Truth  lends  a  voice 

To  yon  dishonored  grave. 

:  Consigned  to  me  in  manhood's  prime 

Ere  half  his  years  were  spent, 
The  victim  of  another's  crime, 

But  ah  !  not  innocent, — 
His  trembling  spirit  waits  to  hear 

The  Eternal's  just  decree. 
Then  too,  deceiver !  shall  appear 

The  doom  assigned  to  thee." 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XLVIIL 

THE  DAUGHTER  OF  HERODIAS. 
Mark  VI.  14-29. 

The  daughter  of  the  said  Herodias  came  in,  and  .danced,  and 
pleased  Herod.  —  Verse  22. 

I  will  that  thou  give  me  by  and  by  in  a  charger,  the  head  of  John 
the  Baptist.  —  Verse  25. 

Beauty  !  idol  of  the  heart; 

When  the  mind  reflects  the  face, 
Never  from  thy  sway  we  part, 

Decked  with  every  gentle  grace. 
Thou  art  like  a  sunbeam,  sent 

Earth  and  sky  with  joy  to  fill, 
Kindling  up  the  firmament, 

Giving  warmth  where  all  was  chill. 

But  when  evil  passions  glance 

From  the  bright  but  treacherous  eye, 
When  the  blooming  countenance 

Does  the  sinful  heart  belie, 
When  the  pleading  voice  of  woe 

With  the  lovely  hath  no  power, 
Angels'  tears  might  freely  flow 

O'er  creation's  fairest  flower. 


THE  DAUGHTER  OF  HERODIAS.  89 

Maiden  !  is  thy  faultless  cheek 

Bright  with  health  and  youthful  bloom? 
For  thv  best  adornments  seek 

Those  that  shall  outlast  the  tomb. 
Own  his  heavenly  power  who  gave 

Beauty's  dangerous  heritage ; 
Other  blessings  meekly  crave, 

Bright  alike  in  youth  and  age. 

Pra'v  for  sweet  humility, 

For  contentment's  ceaseless  charm, 
Wise  and  watchful  charity. 

Patience,  that  can  pain  disarm. 
But,  all  other  gifts  above, 

Prav  that  grace  from  God  be  thine, 
To  bestow  thy  heart's  best  love 

At  thy  heavenly  Father's  shrine. 


90  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XLIX. 

JESUS  WALKS  ON   THE   SEA. 

Matthew  XIV.  13-36. 

And  ia  the  fourth  watch  of  the  night,  Jesus  went  unto  them,  walk- 
ing on  the  sea.  —  Verse  25. 

Lord,  in  whose  might  the  Saviour  trod 

The  dark  and  stormy  wave  ; 
And  trusted  in  his  Father's  arm 

Omnipotent  to  save  ! 

When  darkly  round  our  footsteps  rise 

The  floods  and  storms  of  life, 
Send  thou  thy  spirit  down  to  still 

The  elemental  strife. 

Strong  in  our  trust,  on  thee  reposed, 

The  ocean  path  we  '11  dare  ; 
Though  waves  around  us  rage  and  foam, 

Since  thou  art  with  us  there. 


CHRIST    THE    ONLY    SOURCE    OF    SATISFACTION.      91 


L. 

CHRIST  THE  ONLY  SOURCE  OF  TRUE  SATISFACTION. 

John  VI.  22-71. 

I  am  the  bread  of  life  ;  he  that  cometh  to  me  shall  never  hunger  ; 
and  he  that  helieveth  on  me  shall  never  thirst.  —  Verse  35. 

Lord,  to  whom  shall  we  go  ?  Thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life. 
—  Verse  63. 

Saviour  !  to  thee  I  come  ! 
Earth  cannot  fill  the  spirit's  strong  desire 
That  dares  to  higher,  purer  joys  aspire. 

Holiest,  oh  take  me  home ! 

Pleasure  in  vain  I  sought 
Where  riot  o'er  the  hours  of  darkness  reigns; 
But,  midst  the  revel  still  the  heart  complains 

No  joy  the  scene  has  brought. 

Ambition's  trumpet-call 
I  heard,  and  hasted  in  her  train  to  stand  ; 
But  when  her  glittering  prizes  filled  my  hand, 

Heart-sick  I  turned  from  all. 

Then  Avarice  spread  her  store, 
And  boundless  wealth  was  mine  ;  but  still  mine  eye 
Sought  midst  her  gold  and  costlypageantry 

For  one  bright  treasure  more. 


92  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Gifts  of  this  world,  in  vain 
For  me  ye  glitter,  transient  as  ye  are. 
The  thoughtful  spirit  cannot  bend  to  wear 

Your  gross  material  chain. 

Ye  cannot  save  from  death  ; 
Ye  cannot  lengthen  man's  appointed  hour, 
Nor  from  that  unknown,  all-controlling  power 

Redeem  the  forfeit  breath. 

Saviour!  .  Thou  hast  alone 
The  words  of  life  eternal ;  thou  hast  trod 
Through  death's  dread  vale  up  to  the  mount  of  God, 

And  made  the  pathway  known. 

Through  love  and  prayer  and  faith  !' 
Thus,  Son  of  God  !  ;t  was  thine  to  rise  on  high  ; 
Thus,  Saviour!* be  it  mine  to  live  and  die, 

And  triumph  over  death ! 


GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  HEART.  93 


LI. 

GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  HEART. 

Mark  VII.  1-23. 

From  within,  out  of  the  heart1  of  men,  proceed  evil  thoughts. 
All  these  evil  things  come  from  within,  and  defile  the  man.  — 
Verses  21 -23. 

O  Thou  by  whose  unfailing  hand 

The  springs  of  life  are  fed, 
And  the  bright  current  of  the  heart 

Through  bounding  veins  is  led  ! 

Protect  us  by  thy  grace  divine 

From  ills  that  rise  within, 
From  passion's  wild  o'erpowering  might 

And  the  deceits  of  sin. 

Thou  know'st  our  frame,  thou  kuow'st  our  hearts, 

To  us,  how  oft  unknown  ! 
Oh  grant  that  all  their  thoughts  may  be 

In  joy  and  woe  thine  own. 

As  thy  mysterious  Providence 

The  vital  flood  supplies, 
As  ceaseless  to  thy  viewless  touch 

The  throbbing  heart  replies; 


94  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Thus,  Lord !  the  holy  stream  of  grace 

Incessant  deign  to  pour  ; 
And  with  each  pulse,  our  grateful  hearts 

Shall  love  thee  more  and  more. 


LIT. 

THE  WOMAN  OF  CANAAN. 

Matthew   XV.  21-39. 

And  she  said,  Truth,  Lord  ;  yet  the  dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs  which 
fall  from  their  master's  table.  Then  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto 
her,  O  woman,  great  is  thy  faith  ;  be  it  unto  thee,  even  as  thou  wilt. 

—  Verses  27,  23. 

Oh  not  in  vain,  Redeemer!  at  thy  feet 

Did  that  meek  suppliant  pour  her  anxious  prayer, 

Though  slowly  came  thy  word  of  love  to  greet 
The  heart  that  struggled  with  its  load  of  care. 

To  prove  her  faith,  to  give  to  those  around 
A  lesson,  ne'er  from  memory  to  depart, 

Messiah  for  one  moment  seemed  to  wound 
The  suffering  mother's  earnest,  trusting  heart. 

Yet  sure  thine  eye,  thy  tone,  Redeemer  blest ! 

Did  thy  benignant  purpose  half  reveal  ; 
Else  had  the  boldest  faith  its  plea  suppressed, 

A  plea  that  only  gentle  hearts  could  feel. 


THE    WOMAN    OF    CANAAN.  95 

Father,  to  whom  thy  children  bend  in  prayer  ! 

Oft  by  thy  wisdom  are  our  prayers  denied. 
May  we  by  constant  faith  repel  despair, 

Nor  from  thine  altar  turn  in  sullen  pride. 

We  know  thy  mercy,  Lord  !  Through  many  a  year 
Thy  blessings  round  us  have  abundant  flowed  ; 

Why  should  we  yield  to  unbelieving  fear, 
If  all  we  ask  be  not  at  once  bestowed  ? 

Let  us  pray  on ;  —  with  pleading  still  more  meek 
Bring  our  hearts'  pride  before  thine  altar  low  ; 

And  if  we  may  not  gain  the  gift  we  seek, 
Thou  wilt,  O  God  !  thy  pitying  love  bestow. 

For  none  to  thee,  All-bounteous,  can  draw  near, 
And  thou,  neglectful,  from  the  suppliant  turn; 

Nor  any  seek  thy  grace  with  heart  sincere, 
Yet  not  the  goodness  of  our  God  discern. 

Christian,  faint  not  in  prayer !  Though  years  may  roll, 
Thy  God  at  length  his  suppliant  child  will  bless; 

And  when  this  life  is  o'er,  thy  raptured  soul 
Shall  own  his  love  in  heavenly  happiness. 


96  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


Lin. 

CHRIST'S  PROPHECY  OF.  HIS  CHURCH. 

Matthew  XVI.   1-20. 

And  I  say  also  unto  thee,  that  thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock 
I  will  build  my  church,  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against 
it.  —  Verse  13. 

"  I  build  upon  tliis  Rock, 

Though  fiercest  foes  assail. 
My  church  unmoved  shall  stand  the  shock, 

Nor  hell  itself  prevail." 
He  spoke;  the  world  in  vain  arrayed 

Its  power  against  his  name; 
Vain  was  the  soldier's  conquering  blade, 

The  bigot's  torturing  flame. 

Upon  a  monarch's  crown, 
Saviour  !  thy  cross  was  seen, 
And  in  thy  gorgeous  fane  bent  down 
The  Roman's  sainted  Queen.* 

*  St.  Helena,  the  mother  of  Constantine,  celebrated  for  her  zeal 
in  erecting  edifices  for  Christian  worship.  The  establishment  of 
Christianity,  as  the  religion  of  the  Emperor  and  the  Empire,  was 
soon  followed  by  corruption  c-.nd  internal  feuds. 


Christ's  prophecy  of  his  church.  97 

More  dangerous  far  that  prosperous  day 

Than  sorrow's  darkest  night; 
Yet  stood  thy  church,  though  dimmed  her  ray 

By  earth's  unhallowed  light. 

There  came  a  stormier  age; 

Old  things  were  swept  away, 
And  earth  beneath  barbarian  rage 

A  helpless  victim  lay. 
But  when  the  desolating  storm 

All  else  had  overthrown, 
Thy  church  yet  raised  her  sacred  form 

Majestic  and  alone. 

A  darker  scene  arose, 

The  midnight  of  the  world  ; 
And  mail-clad  knights  against  their  foes 

The  red-cross  flag  unfurled. 
And  superstition  filled  the  cell, 

And  wove  the  scourge  of  pain, 
While  priestcraft,  with  its  book  and  bell, 

Held  earth  in  mental  chain. 

Yet  did  not  hell  prevail 

Against  thy  church,  O  Lord  ! 
Stronger  than  armed  crusader's  mail, 

More  searching  than  his  sword, 
The  spirit  of  thy  love  and  might 

Was  working  silently  ; 
Slowly  the  darkened  heavens  grew  bright, 

And  man  again  was  free. 
7 


98  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL 

Saviour  !  thy  church  yet  stands ; 

And  though  the  world  oppose, 
That  church,  unbuilt  by  human  hands, 

No  human  might  o'erthrows. 
Still  on  thy  chosen  Rock,  O  Lord ! 

The  living  Temple  raise, 
Till  every  heart  receive  thy  word. 

And  every  voice  be  praise. 


Christ's  reproof  to  peter.       99 


LIT. 

CHRIST'S  REPROOF  TO  PETER. 

Matthew  XVI.  21-28. 

But  he  turned,  and  said  unto  Peter,  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan, 
thou  art  an  offence  unto  me  ;  for  thou  savorest  not  the  things  that  be 
of  God,  but  those  that  be  of  men.  —  Verse  23. 

O  suffering  friend  of  human  kind ! 

How,  as  the  fatal  hour  drew  near, 
Came  thronging  on  thy  holy  mind 

The  images  of  grief  and  fear ! 

Gethsemane's  sad  midnight  scene, 

The  faithless  friends,  the  exulting  foes, 

The  thorny  crown,  the  insult  keen, 

The  scourge,  the  cross,  before  thee  rose. 

Did  not  thy  spirit  shrink  dismayed, 

As  the  dark  vision  o'er  it  came ; 
And,  though  in  sinless  strength  arrayed, 

Turn,  shuddering  from  the  death  of  shame? 

Then  did  another  vision  rise, 
As  in  the  desert's  lonely  hour,* 

*In  the  Temptation  in  the  Wilderness  (Matt.  IV.  8-10.)  and 
in  the  present  instance,  our  Saviour  appears  to  have  had  forcibly 


100  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Of  lofty  patriot  enterprise, 
Of  victory  and  royal  power. 

Rose  on  thine  ear  the  shout  of  joy 
As  Israel  hailed  her  conquering  Lord, 

And  nations,  banded  to  destroy, 
Yielded  to  thy  resistless  sword. 

Against  thy  might,  upheld  of  heaven, 
In  vain  had  Caesar's  legions  stood ; 

Nor  aught  of  aid  had  Herod  given, 
Stained  with  the  Baptist's  holy  blood. 

But  thy  pure  spirit,  sinless  Lord  ! 

That  earthly  thought  indignant  spurned  ; 
And  from  thy  stern  reproving  word, 

Abashed,  the  rash  adviser  turned. 

Oh,  when  around  our  path  there  lowers 
Danger's  dark  cloud,  or  sorrow's  night, 

Thy  blest  example  nerve  our  powers 
To  press  on,  fearless,  for  the  right ! 

presented  to  his  mind  the  idea  of  fulfilling  the  expectations  of  his 
countrymen  by  establishing  a  temporal  kingdom  ;  and  the  vehemence 
of  his  language,  nearly  the  same  in  both  cases,  shows  that  he  felt 
that  there  would  be  danger,  even  to  him,  in  suffering  the  idea  to 
remain  in  his  mind  a  moment  unrebuked.  What  a  lesson  to  us  of 
the  necessity  of  promptly  repelling  temptation ! 


THE    TRANSFIGURATION. 


101 


LV. 

THE  TRANSFIGURATION. 

Matthew  XVII.  1-13- 

Lord,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here.  —  Verse  4. 

"  It  is  good  for  us  to  be  here,  O  Lord  ! 

With  thee  on  the  sacred  mount, 
To  see  thy  glory,  and  hear  thy  word, 

And  drink  from  the  holy  fount. 
While  the  great  and  the  blessed  of  former  days 

Again  on  the  earth  appear, 
On  the  wondrous  scene  as  entranced  we  gaze, 

It  is  good  for  us  to  be  here." 

Thus  spake  the  ardent  disciple  of  old  ; 

But  the  vision  passed  away. 
A  moment  only  they  might  behold 

The  Redeemer's  bright  array. 
Then  back  to  the  scenes  of  their  daily  life 

With  him  they  must  return, 
To  teach  the  unheeding,  and  mix  in  strife 

With  the  cold,  and  false,  and  stern. 

But  they  brought  to  those  scenes  the  spirit  high 
Which  they  felt  on  the  sacred  hill. 


102  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

The  light  that  had  burst  on  the  raptured  eve 

Was  glowing  within  them  still. 
And  the  voice  that  came  from  that  golden  cloud, 

And  spake  in  the  holiest  name, 
Thrilled  through  their  hearts,  in  the  turbulent  crowd, 

As  when  to  the  ear  it  came. 

And  is  it  not  thus,  when  the  Christian  meets 

His  God  on  the  mount  of  prayer  ? 
Though  no  outward  voice  the  suppliant  greets, 

He  knows  that  the  Lord  is  there. 
In  the  spirit  of  Jesus  he  kneels  and  prays, 

Afar  from  all  earthly  strife, 
And  around  him  glow  heaven's  brightest  rays, 

And  he  breathes  a  holier  life. 

It  may  not  last.     On  the  sacred  hill 

The  apostle  might  not  rest; 
He  must  go  to  combat  with  human  ill, 

To  make  the  nations  blest. 
And  not  alone  on  the  mount  of  prayer 

Must  the  Christian  serve  his  God; 
But  the  burden  of  daily  life  must  bear, 

And  tread  where  his  Saviour  trod. 

But  with  him  through  every  changing  scene 

Doth  the  spirit  of  prayer  abide. 
When  earth  is  lovely  and  heaven  serene, 

That  spirit  his  course  shall  guide; 
And  when  the  storm  rages,  and  woe  and  wrath 

Might  an  earthborn  courage  quell, 
lie  knows  that  his  God  surveys  his  path, 

And  ordereth  all  things  well. 


THE  FATHER  OF  THE  LUNATIC  YOUTH. 


103 


LVI. 

THE  FATHER  OF  THE  LUNATIC   YOUTH. 

Mark  IX.  14-29. 

And  straightway  the  father  of  the  child  cried  out,  and  said  with 
tears.  Lord,  I  believe  ;  help  thou  mine  unbelief.  —  Verse  24. 

Father  !  when  o'er  our  trembling  hearts 

Doubt's  shadows  gathering  brood, 
When  faith  in  thee  almost  departs, 

And  gloomiest  fears  intrude, 
Forsake  us  not,  O  God  of  grace, 

But  send  those  fears  relief; 
Grant  us  again  to  see  thy  face; 

Lord!  help  our  unbelief ! 

When  sorrow  comes,  and  joys  are  flown, 

And  fondest  hopes  lie  dead, 
And  blessings,  long  esteemed  our  own, 

Are  now  forever  fled ; 
When  the  bright  promise  of  our  spring 

Is  but  a  withered  leaf, 
Lord !  to  thy  truth  still  let  us  cling; 

Help  thou  our  unbelief! 


104  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

And  when  the  powers  of  nature  fail 

Upon  the  couch  of  pain, 
Nor  love,  nor  friendship  can  avail 

The  spirit  to  detain, 
Then,  Father  !  be  our  closing  eves 

Undimmed  by  tears  of  grief; 
And  if  a  trembling  doubt  arise, 

Help  thou  our  unbelief! 


NOT    TO    DESPISE    THE    LOWLY. 


105 


LVIT. 

NOT  TO  DESPISE  THE  LOWLY. 

Matthew  XVIII.  1-20. 

Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of  these  little  ones  ;  for  I  say 
unto  you,  that  in  heaven  their  angels  do  always  behold  the  face  of 
my  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  —  Verse  10. 

Thou,  for  whose  cultured  mind  the  toil 

Of  studious  years  hath  wisdom  sought, 
Enriched  with  learning's  varied  spoil, 

With  long  experience  amply  fraught, 
Despise  not  thou  yon  simple  child, 

But  meekly  in  his  features  trace 
That  sinless  heart  and  spirit  mild, 

Would  yield  thy  lore  a  richer  grace. 

Spirits  that  minister  on  high, 

Before  the  Father's  throne  of  love, 
Prize  that  unsullied  purity 

Each  other  heavenly  grace  above. 
And  never  canst  thou  there  aspire, 

Till,  freed  from  every  darkening  stain, 
From  pride,  and  hate,  and  wrong  desire 

Thy  heart  be  innocent  again. 


106  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Favorite  of  fortune  !  To  thy  hand, 

Earth's  richest  gifts  are  amply  spread  : 
See  where  affliction's  children  stand, 

And  on  thy  bounty  call  for  bread. 
Despise  them  not.     In  robes  of  light 

Perchance  they  soon  shall  stand  arrayed, 
Rejoicing  always  in  the  sight 

Of  glory  that  shall  never  fade. 

And  thou,  who  hast  with  reverence  trod 

The  path  of  faith  for  many  a  year, 
Accepted  in  the  sight  of  God 

To  all  his  virtuous  children  dear, 
O  pity  thou,  but  ne'er  despise 

The  soul,  debased  by  evil  deeds. 
For  him,  as  low  in  dust  he  lies, 

A  kneeling  seraph  earnest  pleads. 

Nay  rather,  pleads  before  the  throne 

The  Saviour  for  his  Father's  grace. 
Eternal  mercy  waits  alone 

The  tear  of  penitence  to  trace. 
O  scorn  not  thou  that  erring  soul  ! 

Stretch  forth  thy  hand  the  fallen  to  raise  ; 
And  through  the  arch  of  heaven  shall  roll 

The  angels'  hymn  of  joyful  praise. 


FORGIVENESS. 


LYIII. 

FORGIVENESS. 

Matthew  XVIII.  21-35. 

Lord,  have  patience  ^rith  me,  and  I  will  pay  thee  all.  -  Verse  26. 

O  God,  in  grief  and  shame 
We  kneel  before  thy  throne ! 
Nought  from  thy  justice  can  we  claim, 
But  be  thy  mercy  shown ! 

How  may  our  spirits  dare 
To  face  thy  stainless  light  1 
The  sins  our  conscience  cannot  bear, 
How  shall  they  meet  thy  sight  ? 

We  cannot  urge  the  plea, 
"Have  patience,  and  we  pay." 
The  debt  the  sinner  owes  to  thee 
Not  thus  can  pass  away. 

Should  deeds  of  faith  and  love 
Adorn  us  to  the  last, 
We  could  not  from  thy  book  remove 
The  record  of  the  past. 


108  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Father  !  to  thee  we  fly. 
Oh  bid  thy  suppliants  live  ! 
Behold  us  at  thy  footstool  lie  ; 
Merciful  God,  forgive  ! 

And  as  by  thy  free  grace 
Our  hope,  our  all,  is  given, 
May  others  in  our  mercy  trace 
Our  gratitude  to  Heaven. 


INTOLERANCE    REBUKED.  109 


LIX. 

INTOLERANCE  REBUKED. 
Luke  IX.  49-56. 
Ye  know  not  what  manner  of  spirit  ye  are  of.  —  Verse  55. 

The  Saviour's  spirit,  —  is  it  known 

To  those  who  bear  his  name? 
Why  then  does  earth  incessant  groan 

Beneath  their  deeds  of  shame? 

Where  he,  the  friend  of  human  life, 

Rebuked  his  followers'  zeal, 
Drawn  in  his  name  for  bigot  strife 

Waved  the  Crusader's  steel. 

See  where  the  fires  of  Smithfield  glare, 

Or  trace  yon  dungeon  cell, 
Where,  shut  from  God's  pure  light  and  air, 

The  heretic  must  dwell. 

Or  hear,  ah  shame !  the  frantic  cry 
On  Charlestown's  height  that  rose, 

From  helpless  woman,  forced  to  fly 
Before  her  midnight  foes. 


110 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


Know  ye  the  spirit  of  your  Lord, 

Ye  rulers  wise  and  great, 
Who  draw  the  unjust  invader's  sword 

On  some  barbarian  state '? 

Know  ye  whose  spirit  ye  profess, 
The  war  of  words  who  wage, 

And  in  the  cause  of  holiness 
With  wrathful  hearts  engage  ? 

Oh  in  God's  temple  ye  may  bend 

Duly  the  punctual  knee. 
In  vain  to  heaven  your  prayers  ascend, 

Unblessed  by  charity. 

And  thou,  whose  censure  freely  flows 

On  bigot  act  and  word, 
Be  sure  that  thine  own  spirit  knows 

The  spirit  of  its  Lord. 


MARRIAGE    INDISSOLUBLE.  Ill 


LX. 

MARRIAGE  INDISSOLUBLE. 

Mark  X.   1-9. 

What  God  hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put  asunder.*  — 
Verse  9. 

Oh  do  not  part  those  whom  their  God  united  ! 

Revere  the  mandate  by  the  Saviour  given. 
}T  was  in  the  holiest  name  their  vows  were  plighted, 

Sanctioned  with  prayer,  and  ratified  in  heaven. 

What  though  their  state  be  that  of  meek  subjection 
To  all,  thy  pleasure  or  thy  pride  commands  ? 

Yet  in  each  lowly  heart  may  pure  affection 
Still  gild  with  joy  the  darkness  of  their  bands. 

*  The  application  which  I  have  given  to  these  words  of  our 
Saviour,  first  forcibly  occurred  to  me  as  I  pronounced  them  while 
uniting  two  slaves  in  marriage.  I  could  not  but  reflect  that  man  fre- 
quently did,  and  in  the  case  before  me  might,  for  his  convenience  or 
caprice,  put  asunder  those  whom  God  had  joined  together.  There 
are  sincere  Christians  at  the  South,  who  uphold  the  system  of  slavery. 
Let  them  use  their  influence  to  put  an  end  to  that  separation  of 
husbands  and  wives  which  is  in  direct  violation  of  Christ's  positive 
command  ;  or  if  this  evil  be  essential  to  the  system,  let  them  ask 
themselves  if  the  system  can  be  right. 


112  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Think  not  they  feel  the  less,  if  hopeless  sorrow 
Shun  the  expression  that  can  nought  avail, 

Nor  let  thy  conscience  vain  excuses  borrow, 
If  pride  or  fear  repress  the  mourner's  wail. 

Law  may  defend  thee  ;  but  his  mandate  holy, 

In  whose  dread  presence  thou  and  they  shall  stand, 

Forbids  thee  thus  to  trample  on  the  lowly, 
And  warns  thee  of  his  own  avenging  hand. 

Thy  slave  and  thou  are,  as  he  made  ye,  brothers  ; 

And  when  earth's  vain  distinctions  cease  to  be, 
If  thou  hast  shown  no  mercy  unto  others, 

What  mercy  can  the  Righteous  mete  to  thee  1 

Then  spare  ;  if  power  on  earth  to  thee  be  given, 
Expand  thy  heart  to  pity's  gentle  claim; 

Exert  that  power  as  in  the  sight  of  Heaven, 
And  let  thy  brother  bless  thy  generous  name. 


CHILDREN    BROUGHT    TO    CHRIST.  113 


LXI. 

CHILDREN  BROUGHT  TO  CHRIST. 

Mark  X.  13-16. 

Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not ; 
for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God.  —  Verse  14. 

Yes  !  There  were  some  among  thy  hearers,  Lord ! 
Who  knew  thine  own  blest  spirit,  and  to  thee 
Brought  their  young  children  in  their  purity, 
Deeming  aright  such  visits  would  afford 
Joy  to  a  heart  like  thine.     With  gracious  word 
Didst  thou  receive  them  ;  and  that  hallowed  scene 
Hath  ever  to  the  Christian  parent  been 
A  fount  of  deep  delight.     Thou  dost  accord 
Thy  blessing  to  our  children.     We  would  lead 
To  thee  these  young  immortals      Oh  receive 
To  thy  divine  instructions,  Saviour  blest ! 
And  in  thy  freedom  make  them  free  indeed  ; 
And  if  in  childhood  they  are  called  to  leave 
Our  arms  of  love,  may  they  with  thee  find  rest! 


114  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXII. 

THE  RICH  YOUNG  MAN. 

Mark  X.   17-31. 

Then  Jesus  beholding  him,  loved  him,  and  said  unto  him,  One 
thing  thou  lackest ;  go  thy  way,  sell  whatsoever  thou  hast,  and  give 
to  the  poor  ;  and  thou  shalt  have  treasure  in  heaven  ;  and  come,  take 
up  the  cross,  and  follow  me.  —  Verse  21. 

And  didst  thou  love  that  pure  ingenuous  youth, 
Saviour?  Oh  well  thy  favor  might  be  shown 

To  one  whose  zeal  for  holiness  and  truth 
Seemed  in  clear  lustre  to  reflect  thine  own. 

The  law  of  God  he  loved  ;  to  that  had  given 
His  constant  service  from  his  earliest  years  ; 

And  now  he  seeks  the  messenger  of  heaven 

With  the  bright  mien  a  guiltless  conscience  bears. 

"What  lack  I  yet?     Oh  light  will  seem  the  task, 
Whate'er  it  be,  my  Father  shall  assign." 

Glowing  with  generous  purpose  doth  he  ask, 
And  hears  from  Jesus'  voice  the  call  divine. 

He  hears.     Why  starts  he  with  that  troubled  mien? 

Ah  wherefore  thus  turns  sorrowful  away  ? 
Oh  hope  not,  man  !  that  through  each  coming  scene, 

Thine  own  unaided  strength  can  be  thy  stay. 


THE    RICH    YOUNG    MAN.  115 

Walk  humbly  still,  nor  only  of  the  Lord 

Instruction  seek,  but  strength  to  do  his  will. 

Look  upward,  and  thy  Father  will  afford 
Patience  to  bear,  and  courage  to  fulfil. 

Mistaken  youth,  the  Saviour's  saddened  gaze 
Follows  thy  steps  ;   and  he  who  reigns  above, 

Whose  mercy  still  delights  the  fallen  to  raise, 
Forsakes  not  him  whom  Jesus  deigned  to  love. 

Perchance  repentant  thought  reversed  thy  choice, 
And  the  high  promptings  of  thy  heart  restored; 

Perchance  affliction's  stern  but  friendly  voice 
Recalled  thee  to  the  service  of  thy  Lord. 

But  past  forever  was  that  glorious  hour, 

When  Christ's  own  arms  were  open  to  receive. 

The  Christian  hero's  fame,  —  the  Apostle's  power,  — 
That  thousands  through  thy  preaching  might  believe ; 

These  had  been  thine,  hadst  thou  his  call  obeyed; 

These  could  be  thine  no  more.     O  heavenly  Lord, 
When  duty  calls  us,  grant  thy  spirit's  aid, 

That  we  may  hear  and  do  thy  holy  word  ! 


116 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXIIL 

PROVIDENCE  VINDICATED. 

Matthew  XX.   1  -  19. 

Is  thine  eye  evil  because  I  am  good  ?  —  Verse  15. 

Oh  let  not  envy  o'er  thy  heart 

Her  baleful  power  employ, 
But  others'  happiness  impart 

A  self-renouncing  joy. 

The  gifts  bestowed  by  bounteous  heaven 

Are  richly  scattered  round. 
Enough  for  thee  thy  God  has  given, 

Though  some  may  more  abound. 

Yes,  —  though  in  vain  thou  strive  to  rise, 

Oppressed  beneath  thy  woes, 
Enough  to  train  thee  for  the  skies 

Thy  Father's  love  bestows. 

What  need'st  thou  more  than  endless  bliss  ? 

If  then  thy  heart  repine, 
Look  to  a  brighter  world  than  this, 

And  make  its  treasures  thine. 


PROVIDENCE    VINDICATED.  117 

And  here,  what  Providence  confers, 

With  thankful  joy  receive  ; 
Nor  deem,  Eternal  Wisdom  errs, 

When  thou  art  called  to  grieve. 

But  if  the  good,  denied  thee  here 

Another's  wishes  bless, 
Praise  thou  thy  God,  with  heart  sincere, 

For  human  happiness. 


118  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXIV. 

A  RECOMPENSE  ON  HIGH. 

Luke  XIV.   1-14. 

Thou  shalt  be  recompensed  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 
Verse  14. 

Dost  thou  fear  that  thy  labors  are  all  in  vain, 

Who  toilest  for  others'  good  ? 
Do  thy  blessings  flow,  and  thy  tears  like  rain, 

While  evil  is  unsubdued? 
Hope  on.     The  God  who  hath  ordered  all 

His  servant's  path  surveys  ; 
And  not  to  the  ground  shall  his  labors  fall 

Who  his  Maker's  voice  obeys. 

Dost  thou  strive  to  shed  o'er  the  darkened  mind 

The  light  of  truth  divine, 
While  they  whom  thou  warnest,  perversely  blind, 

Still  worship  at  Mammon's  shrine? 
Faint  not  nor  be  weary.     The  Father  of  light 

The  inward  eye  can  clear ; 
But  the  perfect  triumph  of  love  and  might 

Is  reserved  for  another  sphere. 

Dost  thou  sow  in  trembling  and  tears  the  seed 

In  thy  child's  unfruitful  heart? 
Dost  thou  strive  in  vain  his  choice  to  lead 

To  the  wise,  the  better  part  ? 


A    RECOMPENSE    ON    HIGH.  119 

Still  strive,  for  a  recompense  divine 

Is  reserved  for  thee  above, 
And  his  grateful  eyes  shall  yet  beam  on  thine 

With  piety  and  love. 

For  it  may  not  be  that  the  child  of  prayer 

Shall  be  lost  so  utterly, 
That  he  shall  not  rise  to  bless  thy  care 

In  the  realm  of  eternity. 
No !  every  sigh  of  the  parent's  breast 

By  thy  God  is  treasured  still, 
And  in  yonder  mansions  of  the  blest 

Shall  be  changed  to  rapture's  thrill. 

Oh  many  a  word,  unthought  of  here 

By  him  whose  lips  it  passed, 
Yieldeth  rich  fruit  in  this  earthly  sphere, 

Fruit  that  shall  ever  last  ; 
And  the  deed,  once  offered  at  duty's  shrine, 

Whose  memory  long  has  fled, 
Is  the  buried  root  of  a  hallowed  vine 

Whose  clusters  are  round  us  spread. 

And  yet,  should  the  vine  put  forth  no  more, 

Nor  the  olive  her  increase  yield, 
Though  desolate  were  the  granary  floor, 

And  a  blight  were  on  the  field,  — 
Though  our  words  of  truth  and  our  deeds  of  love 

Should  fruitless  pass  away, 
There  is  One  in  the  holy  world  above 

Whose  kindness  would  all  repay. 


120  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXY. 

COUNTING  THE  COST  OF  RELIGION. 

Luke  XIV.  15-35. 

Which  of  you  intending  to  build  a  tower,  sitteth  not  down  first 
and  counteth  the  cost,  whether  he  have  sufficient  to  finish  it  ?  — 
Verse  23. 

Salt  is  good,  but  if  the  salt  have  lost  his  savor,  wherewith  shall  it 
be  seasoned?  —  Verse  34. 

Redeemer  !  when  from  all  the  land 

Thine  eager  hearers  pressed, 
Did  then  thy  voice,  in  accents  bland, 
Allure  the  yet  uncertain  band 

With  hopes  of  earthly  rest  ? 
No;   as  thy  strict  commands  they  hear, 
They  turn  away,  in  doubt  and  fear. 

For  thou  dost  bid  them  know  the  cost 

Before  they  can  be  thine, 
Ready  for  thee  to  count  as  lost 
The  joys  of  life,  though  valued  most, 

And  life  itself  resign. 
And  such  is  still  thy  sacred  word 
To  all  who  own  thee  for  their  Lord. 


COUNTING    THE    COST    OF    RELIGION.  121 

We  cannot  choose  the  better  part 

Yet  serve  as  Mammon's  slaves  ; 
We  cannot  give  to  God  our  heart, 
Yet  to  each  meaner  sense  impart 

The  pampering  food  it  craves  ; 
Kneel  at  some  idol  folly's  throne, 
Then  turn,  uncensured,  to  thine  own. 

"Salt  of  the  earth,"  thy  church  is  styled  ; 

Let  then  the  salt  be  pure. 
How  shall  the  world  be  reconciled, 
Unless  thy  people,  undefiled, 

Make  their  election  sure? 
Yet,  Lord!  must  humbled  conscience  trace 
Our  own  deep  need  of  pardoning  grace. 

Grant  us,  O  God  !  the  cost  to  learn ; 

But  lest  our  courage  fail, 
Thy  gracious  aid  may  we  discern, 
Ready  at  humble  prayer,  to  turn 

The  spirit's  trembling  scale. 
Oh  in  our  weakness  may  we  see 
Our  strength,  our  victory  in  thee. 


122  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXVI. 

THE  PRODIGAL   SON. 

Luke  XV. 

But  while  he  was  yet  a  great  way  off,  his  father  saw  him,  and  had 
compassion,  and  ran,  and  fell  on  his  neck,  and  kissed  him. — Verse  20. 

Come  to  the  mercy  of  thy  God, 

O  lost  offender,  come  ! 
He  spreads  for  thee  his  arms  of  love, 

He  calls  the  wanderer  home. 

Fear  not  that  He  can  e'er  despise 

By  whom  thy  life  was  given. 
The  love  that  guards  that  sinful  life 

Would  win  thee  back  to  heaven. 

O  listen  to  the  touching  tale, 

Once  by  the  Saviour  told, 
Of  him  who  wandered  far  away 

To  revel  uncontrolled. 

His  wealth  was  gone ;  in  foreign  land, 

Scarce  rescued  from  despair, 
He  envied,  worn  and  desolate, 

The  beasts  their  brutish  fare. 


THE    PRODIGAL    SOX. 

He  rose  ;  he  sought  his  childhood's  home, 

Scarce  daring  to  draw  nigh, 
With  humblest  words  upon  his  lips, 

In  garb  of  misery. 

But  oh,  that  garb  could  not  deceive 

A  father's  anxious  breast. 
He  knew,  through  every  sad  disguise 

The  boy  he  once  caressed. 

The  father's  arms,  in  fond  embrace, 
The  suppliant's  neck  surround. 

He  that  was  dead  now  lives  again, 
He  that  was  lost  is  found." 

Know'st  thou  thy  Father,  wanderer  1 
Then  come  to  him,  and  prove 

If  truly  Jesus  hath  described 
His  mercv  and  his  love. 


123 


124 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXVII. 

THE  USE  OF  PRESENT  OPPORTUNITIES. 

Luke  XVI.  1-13. 

And  the  lord  commended  the  unjust  steward,  because  he  had  done 
wisely  ;  for  the  children  of  this  world  are  in  their  generation  wiser 
than  the  children  of  light.  —  Verse  8. 

Children  of  light,  awake ! 

At  Jesus'  call  arise  ! 
Forth  with  your  leader  to  partake 

His  toils,  his  victories. 
Ye  must  not  idly  stand, 

His  sacred  voice  who  hear ; 
Arm  for  the  strife  the  feeble  hand, 

The  holy  standard  rear. 

Mrrk  ye  not  how  arise 

The  sons  of  worldly  gain, 
Each  in  his  chosen  enterprise, 

Busy  with  hand  and  brain  ? 
Mark  how  the  scholar  toils, 

The  aspirant  for  fame, 
Till  decked  with  learning's  hard-won  spoils, 

He  wears  an  honored  name. 


THE    USE    OF    PRESENT    OPPORTUNITIES.  125 

With  far  extending  schemes, 

His  art  the  statesman  tries, 
The  soldier,  fired  by  glory's  dreams, 

In  thickest  battle  dies. 
They  look  for  their  reward, 

To  firm  endurance  given  ; 
Can  ye  not  view  with  like  regard, 

Your  glorious  prize  in  heaven? 

Nought  doth  the  world  afford, 

But  toil  must  be  its  price ; 
Wilt  thou  not,  servant  of  the  Lord, 

Then  toil  for  paradise  ? 
Awake,  ye  sons  of  light! 

Strive,  till  the  prize  be  won ; 
Far  spent  already  is  the  night; 

The  day  comes  brightening  on. 

The  great,  the  endless  day, 

When  all  shall  be  revealed, 
That  ever  in  man's  bosom  lay 

In  secret  thought  concealed. 
While  guilt  shall  shrink  with  dread, 

At  heaven's  indignant  frown, 
Virtue,  by  Faith  and  Meekness  led, 

Shall  gain  a  fadeless  crown. 


126  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPFJ 


LXVIII. 

PARABLE  OF  THE  RICH  MAN  AND  LAZARUS. 

Luke  XVI.  14-31. 

And  besides  all  this,  between  us  and  you  there  is  a  great  gulf 
fixed,  so  that  they  which  would  pass  from  hence  to  you  cannot,  nei- 
ther can  they  pass  to  us,  that  would  come  from  thence.  —  Verse  26. 

In  youth's  bright  uncorrupted  morn 

With  eager  hearts  we  stand. 
The  paths  of  virtue  and  of  vice 

Before  us  far  expand. 
But  side  by  side  at  first  they  seem, 

And  the  bewildered  eye 
Scarce  can  discern  which  course  is  trod 

By  some  fair  company. 

The  one,  alike  through  valley  fair 

And  mountain  cold  and  dark, 
Keeps,  by  the  same  unvaried  line, 

In  view  the  same  high  mark. 
The  other,  winding,  seems  to  blend 

Now  with  the  unchanging  way, 
And  now,  by  some  alluring  shade, 

Far  off  its  travellers  stray. 


THE    RICH    MAN    AND    LAZARUS.  127 

O  trust  not  to  that  winding  path, 

Though  pleasant  to  the  sight ; 
Though  to  thy  view,  with  virtue's  course 

Its  graceful  curves  unite. 
Stretch  to  the  bounds  of  mortal  ken 

Thy  clear  and  thoughtful  gize, 
And  learn  with  trembling  whither  lead 

Temptation's  flowery  ways. 

See  where  the  paths,  diverging  wide, 

No  more  deceive  thine  eyes. 
Yon  chasm  observe,  that  half  concealed 

Between  them  darkly  lies, 
Deepening  and  widening  evermore, 

Till  where  death's  gloomy  cloud 
The  course  of  all  earth's  travellers 

Doth  from  the  eye  enshroud. 

But  he  who  with  the  spirit-world 

Mysterious  union  held, 
Whose  eye  the  secrets  of  the  grave 

With  kingly  glance  beheld, 
Tells  us,  a  gulf  impassable 

Shall  from  that  chasm  extend, 
That  vice  and  virtue  never  more 

Their  chosen  paths  may  blend. 


128  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXIX. 

WE  ARE  UNPROFITABLE   SERVANTS. 

Luke  XVII.  1-19. 

So  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  have  done  all  those  things  which  are 
commanded  you,  say,  We  are  unprofitable  servants  ;  we  have  done 
that  which  was  our  duty  to  do.  —  Verse  10. 

And  is  it  so?    Must  Virtue  kneel, 
Even  on  her  field  of  high  renown, 

And  ne'er  the  pride  of  conquest  feel, 
Though  circled  with  its  crown  ? 

Yes ;  though  thy  fellow  men  should  raise 
Their  grateful  shouts  to  hail  thy  name, 

Though  Conscience  join  the  well-earned  praise 
That  truth  and  goodness  claim ; 

Still  in  thy  Maker's  awful  sight, 

What  recompense  canst  thou  demand? 

The  powers  which  thou  hast  used  aright 
Were  blessings  from  his  hand. 

His  is  thy  strength  of  frame  and  mind  ; 

From  him  thy  pure  emotions  flowed ; 
Each  lofty  thought,  each  wish  refined, 

That  in  thy  bosom  glowed. 


WE    ARE    UNPROFITABLE    SERVANTS.  129 

Canst  thou  do  more  than  duty  claims? 

Far  hence  be  that  ambitious  thought ! 
The  wearers  of  earth's  holiest  names 

Such  praise  in  vain  had  sought. 

The  chief  who,  purest  of  the  great, 
The  freedom  he  had  won,  sustained, 

And,  unseduced  by  kingly  state, 
In  private  worth  remained  ;  — 

Through  every  generous  breast  his  name 
Thrills  like  some  burst  of  glorious  song;  — 

How  gained  he  that  best  earthly  fame?  — 
—  Disdaining  to  do  wrong  ! 

He  did  his  duty,  and  no  more. 

Do  thou,  in  faith  and  meekness,  thine; 
And  fear  thou  not,  earth's  conflict  o'er, 

To  meet  thy  Friend  divine. 


130  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXX. 

THE  CHRISTIAN'S  COXFLICT. 

Luke  XVII.  20-37. 

Whosoever  shall  seek  to  save  his  life,  shall  lose  it ;  and  whosoever 
shall  lose  his  life,  shall  preserve  it.  —  Verse  33. 

In  the  field  of  deadly  strife, 

Lo  !  in  vain  the  coward  flies  ; 
Nerveless  to  defend  his  life, 

By  a  shameful  blow  he  dies. 

But  the  brave,  with  lofty  thought, 

Not  of  life  but  victory,  — 
Where  the  sternest  strife  is  fought, 

Dangers  harmless  pass  him  by. 

Such  the  strife  we  all  must  wage, 
From  life's  entrance  to  its  close. 

Blest  the  bold,  who  dare  engage ! 
Woe  for  him  who  seeks  repose ! 

Honored  they  who  firmly  stand, 
While  the  conflict  presses  round  ; 

God's  own  banner  in  their  hand, 
In  his  service  faithful  found. 


131 


Strengthened  by  the  might  of  prayer, 
Heavenly  glory  still  in  view, 

Who  are  they,  the  fight  that  dare? 
Who  the  foes  they  must  subdue? 

'T  is  the  sacramental  host,* 

Marshalled  by  their  conquering  Lord. 
Earthly  joys  they  count  as  lost, 

For  the  hopes  his  words  afford. 

What  their  foes  ?    Each  thought  impure, 

Passions  fierce,  that  tear  the  soul ; 
Every  ill  that  they  can  cure, 
Every  crime  they  can  control. 

Every  suffering  which  their  hand 
Can  with  soothing  care  assuage; 

Every  evil  of  their  land, 
Every  error  of  their  age. 

On  then  to  the  glorious  field ! 

He  who  dies,  his  life  shall  save; 
God  himself  shall  be  your  shield ; 

He  shall  bless  and  crown  the  brave. 

*  •'  The  sacramental  host  of  God's  elect."  —  Cowpei 


132 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXXI. 

DUTY   OF  PRAYER. 

Luke  XVIII.  1  -  14. 

Men  ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint.  —  Yerse  1 . 

Seek  ye  the  Lord  in  prayer 
Ye,  whose  young  cheeks  with  health's  warm  hues  are 
bright ! 

Yes;  in  that  spring-time  fair, 
Make  ye  your  Maker's  service  your  delight. 
Bow  in  youth's  innocence  before  his  throne, 
And  make  religion's  blessedness  your  own. 

And  ye,  in  years  mature, 
Turn  from  the  toil,  the  rage,  the  din,  the  strife ; 

With  humble  hearts  and  pure, 
Amid  life's  bounties  bless  the  Lord  of  life! 
Seek  ye  the  rays  of  heavenly  wisdom,  given 
To  light  through  earth's  wild  mazes  up  to  heaven. 

Ye,  in  declining  age, 
Pray,  while  your  sun  is  sinking  to  the  west ! 

His  love  your  thoughts  engage 
Who  calls  earth's  wearied  wanderers  to  their  rest. 
So  shall  the  evening  sky  with  mercy  beam, 
And  faith  through  opening  clouds  see  glory  stream. 


THE  SONS  OF  ZEBEDEE's  REQUEST.       133 


LXXII. 

THE   SONS  OF  ZEBEDEE'S  REO.UEST. 

Matthew  XX.   17-28. 

Whosoever  will  be  great  among  you,  let  him  be  your  minister  ; 
and  whosoever  will  be  chief  among  you,  let  him  be  your  servant.  — 
Verses  26.  27. 


Would'st  thou  be  great  in  Christ's  blest  company 
Then  tread  the  path  which  he  to  greatness  trod, 

And  emulate  in  deep  humility 

The  zeal  and  patience  of  the  Son  of  God. 

Go,  seek  the  mourner,  seek  the  child  of  sin; 

Pour  consolation  on  the  wounded  heart; 
Strive  to  his  God  the  erring  soul  to  win, 

And  bid  the  pangs  of  conscious  guilt  depart. 

Enter  thy  lowly  dwelling,  and  fulfil, 

With  steady  cheerfulness,  thy  duties  there ; 

Let  the  blest  law  of  love  control  thy  will, 
Yet  others'  harsher  spirit  meekly  bear. 

If  wealth  be  thine,  with  ready  hand  dispense 
Thy  treasure  to  relieve  thy  brethren's  woe; 

Yet  seek  not  thou  in  fame  thy  recompense, 
But  silent  as  a  stream  thy  bounty  flow. 


134 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


If  thou  hast  power  or  talent,  O  beware  ! 

Thou  may'st  not  hide  the  consecrated  light. 
For  God  and  man  it  shines ;  but  be  thy  care, 

Lest  vanity  obscure  the  offering  bright. 

Meek,  if  thy  lot  be  lowly,  be  thy  soul, 

As  his,  who  had  not  where  to  lay  his  head,  — 

Meek,  if  to  thee  the  tide  of  fortune  roll, 

And  all  earth's  richest  gifts  around  are  spread. 

Nor  hope  thou,  when  thy  labors  here  shall  end, 
For  crowns  on  high,  and  greatness  here  outgrown 

Think  not  on  angels'  pinions  to  ascend, 

And  shine  admired  upon  a  heavenly  throne. 

Thine  own  meek  spirit  is  thy  crown  of  life, 
Thy  Father's  smile  upon  thy  soul  shall  rest, 

As  high  o'er  earthly  fame,  as  earthly  strife, 
Peace,  holiness  and  love  shall  make  thee  blest. 


ZACCHEUS    THE    PUBLICAN. 


135 


LXXIII. 
ZACCHEUS  THE  PUBLICAN. 

Luke  XIX.  1-10. 

The  son  of  Man  is  come  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  was 
lost. —  Verse  10. 

Friend  of  the  friendless,  in  thy  meekness  great! 

When  Judah's  vales  were  hallowed  by  thy  tread, 
Not  on  the  Pharisee,  with  pride  elate, 

The  seeming  righteous,  were  thy  favors  shed. 

'T  was  thine  to  raise  the  fallen,  the  lost  to  win, 
By  many  a  gentle  word,  to  virtue's  ways, — 

To  give  repentance  to  the  slave  of  sin, 

And  teach  the  mourner's  lips  the  notes  of  praise. 

The  publican,  the  outcast  of  his  race, 

Scorned  by  the  wealthy,  by  the  poor  abhorred, 

With  wonder  listened  to  thy  words  of  grace, 
And  owned  thee,  with  repentant  tears,  his  Lord. 

Sternly  his  hardened  heart  had  learned  to  dare 
The  priest's  anathema,  the  patriot's  scorn. 

But  a  kind  word  his  spirit  could  not  bear, 

And  love  and  hope  within  his  breast  were  born. 


136  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

O  thou,  who,  champion  of  some  lofty  cause, 
Would'st  right  the  injured,  the  unjust  reprove, 

"While  prompt  to  plead  for  God's  eternal  laws, 
Forget  not  the  prevailing  power  of  Love! 

The  might  that  won  the  battles  of  the  Lord 
Is  yet  resistless,  as  in  ancient  days. 

Patience  thine  armor  be,  and  truth  thy  sword, 
And  in  the  name  of  Christ  thy  standard  raise. 


PARABLE    OF    THE    TEN    POUNDS.  137 


LXXIY. 
PARABLE  OF  THE  TEN  POUNDS. 

Luke  XIX.  11-28. 
Occupy  till  I  come.  —  Verse  13. 

The  twelve  went  forth,  —  a  glorious  prize 
Entrusted  to  their  zeal  and  faith, 

And  in  their  Master's  enterprise 
Called  to  be  faithful  unto  death. 

Their  trust,  the  pearl  of  matchless  worth, 

Their  task,  the  conquest  of  the  earth. 

And  can  we  not,  O  Lord!  aspire 
To  share  the  trust  thy  chosen  bore, 

Though  not,  like  them,  with  words  of  fire 
To  spread  thy  name  from  shore  to  shore? 

Yes;  even  to  us  hath  God  assigned 

The  task  to  labor  for  mankind. 

Yes;  while  a  fellow  mortal  sighs 
In  anguish,  we  can  render  less;  — 

While  childhood  lifts  its  earnest  eyes, 
And  asks  our  aid  to  guide  and  bless;  — 

While  there  are  clouds  we  can  remove ;  — 

While  there  are  beings  we  can  love ;  — 


138  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

While,  by  a  life  of  innocence, 
It  may  be  ours  for  thee  to  win 

A  soul  to  heartfelt  penitence 

Back  from  the  paths  of  woe  and  sin,  — 

The  apostles'  glorious  trust  we  share, 

The  banner  of  the  cross  to  bear. 

And  when  our  Sovereign  shall  appear, 
The  vanquished  world  beneath  his  feet, 

O  may  our  spirits,  free  from  fear, 
The  inquest  of  his  justice  meet, 

And,  faithful  in  our  past  employ, 

Find  entrance  to  our  Master's  joy. 


Christ's  entrance  into  Jerusalem. 


139 


LXXV. 

CHRIST'S  ENTRANCE  INTO  JERUSALEM. 

Luke  XIX.  29-44. 

Blessed  be  the  King  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  ;  peace 
in  heaven,  and  glory  in  the  highest.  —  Verse  33. 

And  when  he  was  come  near,  he  beheld  the  city  and  wept  over 
it.  —  Verse  41. 

Rejoice,  rejoice,  Jerusalem ! 

Thy  Saviour  draweth  nigh, — 
Not  in  the  pride  of  earthly  state, 

Yet  full  of  majesty. 
The  royal  robe  of  righteousness 

Envelopes  him  around, 
And  with  the  diadem  of  truth 

His  holy  brows  are  crowned. 

Rejoice,  rejoice,  O  Israel, 

Before  thy  glorious  King ! 
He  comes,  to  thine  afflicted  land, 

Deliverance  to  bring. 
Beneath  his  meek  and  gentle  sway, 

Dominion  shall  be  thine, 
More  rich  than  e'er  thy  monarchs  held 

Of  David's  ancient  line. 


140  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Dominion  o'er  those  enemies 

That  war  against  the  soul ; 
Freedom  from  passion,  and  from  pride, 

And  Mammon's  base  control. 
Yet  more  ;  not  earthly  sway  alone 

Is  to  his  sceptre  given  : 
He  comes  in  God  his  Father's  name, — 

His  kingdom  is  of  Heaven. 

Why  weeps  the  holy  visitor, 

As  from  the  mountain's  height 
The  city  of  a  hundred  kings 

Expands  before  his  sight  ? 
"  If  thou  had'st  known,  in  this  thy  day, 

The  mandate  of  thy  God  ! 
But  ah  !  his  love  thou  hast  despised, 

Soon  must  thou  feel  his  rod." 

In  vain,  in  vain,  O  Israel, 

The  voice  of  mercy  calls  ; 
And  stern  their  hearts,  Jerusalem, 

Who  rule  within  thy  walls. 
Denounced  by  those  he  came  to  save, 

Forsaken  and  denied, 
Behold  the  King  of  righteousness, 

Scourged,  bleeding,  crucified ! 

Yet  sounds  the  call,  Oh  Saviour  ! 

"  Christians,  behold  your  King  ! 

Meet  him  with  prompt  obedience, 

Your  glad  hosannas  bring." 


Christ's  anticipations  of  death.  141 

We  hail  thee,  Messenger  of  God, 

To  our  revolted  race  ! 
O  make  our  hearts  thy  sanctuary, 

And  fill  them  with  thy  grace ! 


LXXVI. 

CHRISTS  ANTICIPATIONS  OF  DEATH. 

John  XII.  20-50. 

Now  is  my  soul  troubled,  and  what  shall  I  say?  Father,  save  me 
from  this  hour  ?  But  for  this  cause  came  I  unto  this  hour.  Father, 
glorify  thy  name.  —  Verses  27.  28. 

Christian  !  when  around  thy  head 
Clouds  of  woe  are  darkly  spread, 
When,  amidst  thy  gathering  fears, 
Useless  mortal  aid  appears, 
Humbly  as  thou  kneel'st  imploring, 
Tearful  prayers  for  mercy  pouring, — 
Faint  not,  though  the  answer  fail, 
Though  thy  tears  should  nought  avail  ; 
Though  thy  cherished  joys  be  fled, 
Still,  let  faith  lift  up  thy  head  ; 
Ever  be  thy  prayer  the  same, 
M  Father,  glorify  thy  name  !" 


142  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

For  this  cause,  perchance,  his  power 
Brings  thee  to  this  dreaded  hour, 
That,  through  sorrow,  thou  may'st  prove 
All  the  treasures  of  his  love, 
And  through  patience  to  endure 
Make  thine  own  election  sure. 
Brighter  burns  the  Christian's  light, 
When  around  him  all  is  night. 
Know,  the  Merciful  surveys  thee ; 
Doubt  thou  not  that  he  will  raise  thee. 
When  the  appointed  time  is  past, 
He  will  give  thee  peace  at  last. 

Plead  thou  not,  thy  burthen's  weight 
For  thy  strength  is  made  too  great. 
God  his  own  appointment  knoweth, 
And  the  needed  aid  bestoweth. 
In  thy  suffering,  rejoice, 
For  thou  hear'st  a  Father's  voice ; 
Stern  his  lessons,  but  they  come 
From  his  love,  to  guide  thee  home. 
If  it  be  his  holy  will, 
Like  thy  Saviour,  be  thou  still. 
Pray,  in  danger,  death,  or  shame, 
"  Father,  glorify  thy  name !  " 


POWER    OF    FAITH.  143 


LXXYII. 

POWER  OF  FAITH. 

Mark  XI.  12-33. 

Therefore  I  say  unto  you,  what  things  soever  ye  desire  when  ye 
pray,  believe  that  ye  receive  them,  and  ye  shall  have  thein.  — 
Verse  24. 

O  for  that  faith,  to  which  in  ancient  days 
The  promise  of  the  Son  of  God  was  given  ; 

That  faith,  that  upward  looked  with  earnest  gaze, 
And  saw  the  blessings  it  besought  of  heaven  ! 

No  cloud  of  doubt  or  fear  could  intervene  ; 

Its  sure  reliance  was  the  Saviour's  word  ; 
It  was  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen, 

The  substance  of  things  hoped  for  from  the  Lord. 

How  do  we  need  that  faith  in  trial's  hour, 

When  our  afflictions  seem  our  strength  above ! 

Then  should  it  teach  us  that  our  Maker's  power 
Is  only  equalled  by  our  Father's  love. 

That  faith  we  need,  when  conscience  shrinks  to  trace 
Our  past  infirmities  of  deed  and  will. 

Almost  despairing  then  of  heavenly  grace, 
Trembling  we  ask,  if  God  can  pardon  still. 


144  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL, 

Faint  not,  sad  suppliants  !  Kneel  and  humbly  pray. 

The  God  who  hears  will  strengthen  and  forgive. 
But  turn  ye  not  from  Mercy's  throne  away  ; 

He  that  endureth  to  the  end,  shall  live. 


LXXVIII. 

REJECTION  OF  THE  JEWS. 

Matthew  XXL  28-46. 

Therefore  say  I  unto  you,  the  kingdom  of  God  shall  he  taken  from 
you,  and  given  to  a  nation  bringing  forth  the  fruits  thereof.  — 
Verse  43. 

O  towers  of  Salem,  where  the  Saviour  trod, 
Where  David's  harp  with  inspiration  rung, 

Where  o'er  the  mercy-seat,  the  present  God 
Revealed  his  glory,  while  the  Levites  sung, 

And  Israel's  thousands  bowed  with  one  accord, 

As  the  wise  king  before  the  shrine  adored; — 

Are  ye  then  fallen  1  Has  the  grace  divine 
Passed  from  your  sacred  palaces  away  1 

The  Arab  bows  where  stood  Moriah's  shrine, 
And  Judah  bends  beneath  the  Moslem's  sway. 

The  glory  hath  departed.     Ne'er  again 

Shall  rise  the  incense-cloud,  the  Levite's  strain. 


REJECTION    OF    THE    JEWS. 


145 


And  thou,  my  country,  chosen  of  the  Lord, 
Land  of  the  pilgrim,  land  of  Washington, 

By  heaven  defended  ffom  the  invading  sword, 
Strong  in  the  freedom  by  thy  heroes  won  ! 

Oh  shall  the  kingdom  of  thy  God  be  taken 

From  thee,  because  his  law  thou  hast  forsaken? 

How  is  the  fine  gold  dimmed !    That  glorious  name 
Thou  hadst  among  the  nations,  how  brought  low ! 

For  thy  once  spotless  faith,  lo  !  deeds  of  shame ; 
For  songs  of  peace  and  joy,  a  cry  of  woe, 

From  where  thy  streets  are  red  with  civic  strife, 

Or  passion  rears  the  murderous  bowie-knife 

Too  proudly,  my  country,  hast  thou  stood ; 

Oh  let  repentance  bring  humility. 
Fulfil  thy  pledges,  — cleanse  the  stain  of  blood, — 

Unbind  the  yoke,  and  let  the  oppressed  go  free. 
So  shall  thy  glory  like  the  morn  be  bright, 
For  God,  our  Fathers'  God,  shall  be  thy  light. 


10 


146 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXXIX. 

THE  CALL  OF  GOD. 

Matthew  XXII.  1-22. 

Many  are  called,  but  few  are  chosen.  —  Verse  14. 

Voice  of  the  Lord !  On  Sinai's  height 

The  tribes  of  old  before  thee  bowed, 
When  through  dark  cloud  and  flashing  light 

The  trumpet  sounded  long  and  loud. 
Scarce  could  thy  chosen  prophet  dare 

On  that  dread  mount  to  fix  his  eye ; 
And  trembling  Israel  breathed  the  prayer, 

"  Oh  speak  not  with  us,  lest  we  die  !  " 

Voice  of  the  Lord  !  When  Jesus  spake, 

Again  thine  awful  sound  was  heard. 
That  word  the  haughtiest  soul  could  shake 

And  man's  deep  heart  before  it  stirred. 
The  hardened  sinner  kneeled  to  God ; 

The  proud  oppressor  learned  to  spare ; 
And,  bowed  beneath  affliction's  rod, 

The  mourner  owned  a  Father's  care. 


THE    CALL    OF    GOD. 

Voice  of  the  Lord  !  We  hear  thee  still 

Within  the  temple's  solemn  bound, 
When  thronging  guests,  the  banquet  fill, 

And  peals  the  organ's  lofty  sound. 
We  hear  thee  when  some  hoary  sire 

Amid  his  household  bends  to  pray, 
Or  when  our  lonely  thoughts  aspire, 

At  opening  morn  or  closing  day. 

We  hear  thee  when  the  ocean  speaks, 

Responsive  to  the  tempest's  roar  ; 
We  hear  thee  when  it  gently  breaks, 

With  murmur  sweet,  along  the  shore. 
We  hear  thee,  voice  of  God  most  high  ! 

When  sorrow  pleads  for  pity's  tear ; 
And  when  as  sickness  veils  the  eye, 

The  darkness  of  the  grave  seems  near. 

Voice  of  the  Lord  !  We  hear  thy  call ; 

From  heaven,  from  earth  it  peals  around. 
In  lonely  shade,  in  crowded  hall, 

We  list  that  sweet  yet  awful  sound. 
O  Father  !  Let  no  thoughtless  heart 

The  sacred  call  receive  in  vain ; 
But  may  we,  when  from  earth  we  part, 

Thy  voice  of  mercy  hear  again  ! 


147 


148  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL 


LXXX. 

THE  GREAT  COMMANDMENT. 

Matthew  XXII.  23-46. 

Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all 
thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  com- 
mandment. —  Verses  37,  33. 

O  thou  Eternal  Being,  who  of  old, 

Before  the  mountains  stood,  or  thou  hadst  formed 

The  earth,  or  bid  the  stars  to  pour  their  light, 

Didst  in  thy  dread  immensity  pervade 

Space  without  bounds  !     In  vain  the  intellect 

Of  thy  weak  creature  may  attempt  to  know 

Thee  as  thou  art.     Far  back,  through  age  on  age, 

We  mark  the  wonders  of  thy  viewless  hand  ; 

And  ancient  as  the  furthest-reaching  thought 

Can  fix  the  date  of  yonder  splendid  orbs, 

The  hour  has  been  when  they  began  to  shine. 

And  through  the  measureless  ages,  ere  that  hour, 

While  thou,  O  God,  wast,  as  thou  art,  supreme, 

Did  other  worlds  rise,  shine  and  pass  away, 

Millions  of  years  enduring,  yet  a  speck 

In  thine  infinity  ?     But  ere  they  rose, 

Ere  the  first  motion  of  thy  forming  hand, 

Throucrh  time  that  ne'er  began,  what-then  wast  thou, 


THE    GREAT    COMMANDMENT.  149 

Sole  Life,  Sole  Essence?     Or  hast  thou,  through  all, 

"Without  beginning  wrought  as  even  now, 

Dispensing  happiness  to  worlds  on  worlds, 

And  thy  creative  wonders  far  receding, 

A  chain  whose  first  link  is  not  ?     O  my  soul, 

Strive  not  to  penetrate  the  vast  abyss, 

But  turn  to  Him,  in  deep  humility. 

Own  Him  thy  God,  thy  never-failing  Friend, 

Giver  of  every  blessing,  —  only  source 

Of  every  hope  thou  yet  canst  entertain, 

Father  and  Sender  of  the  Prince  of  Peace, 

And,  —  by  that  holiest  title,  taught  by  Christ, — 

Thy  Father  ! 

Canst  thou  render,  O  my  soul ! 
Aught  worthy  such  a  Being?     Unto  Him 
What  were  thy  gifts,  though  thou  should'st  sacrifice 
Upon  his  altar  countless  flocks  and  herds? 
His  are  the  victims  of  thy  gorgeous  rite; 
His  are  the  cattle  on  a  thousand  hills. 
The  nations  are  before  Him  but  as  dust. 
And  what,  O  man  !  the  anthems  of  thy  pride 
To  Him,  before  whose  throne  the  countless  stars, 
Thronged  with  their  million  forms  of  light  and  power, 
His  praises  hymn  forever  ?     What  should'st  thou 
Presume  to  offer  to  the  King  of  kings  ?  — 
There  is  a  treasure  he  hath  made  thine  own; 
He  will  not  take  it,  but  as  thou  shalt  give  ; 
He  seeks  it  from  thee.     Haste,  oh  haste,  and  brinor 
To  God  the  tribute  of  thy  loving  heart. 


150  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXXXI. 

HUMILITY  AND  BROTHERLY  LOVE. 

Matthew  XXIII. 

One  is  your  Master,  even  Christ  ;  and  all  ye  are  brethren. — Verse  8. 

How  sweet  the  hour,  in  harmony  of  faith, 

When  Christians  in  the  sacred  banquet  share, 

And  meditate  upon  the  Saviour's  death; 

While  each  rapt  spirit  seeks  its  God  in  prayer. 

No  jarring  thought  is  there.     With  one  accord 
Assembled  brethren  raise  their  hearts  to  heaven. 

They  feel  the  presence  of  their  risen  Lord, 
Their  Father's  blessing  to  his  children  given. 

But,  shame  and  woe !  Throughout  this  ample  land 
Where  shall  the  Christian  find  that  peaceful  scene, 

Where  all  united  meet,  a  happy  band, 

And  the  rude  voice  of  strife  has  never  been  ? 

We  cannot  kneel  before  our  brethren's  shrine; 

Our  brother's  voice  blends  not  with  ours  in  prayer  ; 
We  cannot  share  the  sacred  bread  and  wine 

Rememberino;  him  who  made  us  all  his  care. 


HUMILITY    AND    BROTHERLY    LOVE.  151 

Sad  is  that  thought.     Yet  faith  and  love  shall  rise 
Triumphant  o'er  each  circumstance  of  ill; 

And  at  each  altar  as  we  lift  our  eyes, 

The  God  of  peace  will  bless  his  children  still. 

Father  !  To  Thee  ascends  each  sacred  flame ; 

Saviour  !  In  thy  blest  name  our  prayers  aspire; 
Spirit  of  God  !  Thy  promised  aid  we  claim 

To  fan  more  brightly  every  hallowed  fire. 

God  speed  ye,  brethren,  in  each  separate  path  ! 

Where  conscience  guides,  ye  cannot  go  astray. 
But  let  not  scorn,  nor  bitterness,  nor  wrath 

Disturb  your  progress  in  the  heavenward  way. 

On  yon  blest  summits  be  your  steadfast  gaze; 

To  those  each  path  ye  tread  at  length  shall  tend, 
Triumphant  love  inspire  united  praise, 

And  doubt  and  error  shall  in  rapture  end. 


152  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXXXII. 

VIRTUOUS  POVERTY. 

Luke  XXI. 

And  he  saw  also  a  certain  poor  widow,  casting  in  thither  two 
mites  ;  and  he  said,  Of  a  truth  I  say  unto  you,  that  this  poor  widow 
hath  cast  in  more  than  they  all.  —  Verses  2,  3. 

Hast  thou  in  poverty's  low  sphere, 

Of  humble  worth  observant,  trod  ? 
Then  canst  thou  know,  how  brightly  there 

Shines  through  that  gloom  the  love  of  God. 
While  all  things  gaily  beam  around, 

That  holy  radiance  scarce  is  seen ; 
But  O,  how  glorious  is  it  found, 

Where  fortune's  glare  shines  not  between. 

There  dwells  the  childlike  heart  that  knows, 

By  more  than  faith,  that  God  is  nigh, 
Still  grateful,  when  his  bounty  flows, 

Resigned  and  calm,  if  he  deny ; 
With  thoughts  whose  home  is  not  on  earth, 

A  soul  ambition  never  stained  ; 
Where  proud  resentment  ne'er  had  birth, 

By  sordid  avarice  unprofaned. 


VIRTUOUS    POVERTY. 

More  would  'st  thou  learn  ?  Behold  the  poor 

From  his  own  poverty  impart. 
The  claimant  at  that  humble  door 

Still  finds  within  a  gentle  heart. 
The  pittance  that  is  freely  given 

Shall  haply  stint  their  daily  meal ; 
But  there's  a  blessing  sent  from  heaven, 

The  giver's  thankful  heart  shall  feel. 

O  child  of  wealth  !  revere  the  poor, 

Who  to  themselves  and  God  are  true. 
Thy  Saviour  did  that  lot  endure, 

And  want,  and  toil,  and  wandering  knew. 
Revere  them  !  so  shalt  thou  revere 

What  in  thyself  is  most  divine  ; 
And  bearing  well  thy  fortunes  here, 

Make  heaven's  eternal  riches  thine. 


153 


154  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


LXXXIII. 

DUTY  OF  PREPARATION. 

Matthew  XXV.  1  -  30. 


Watch,  therefore  ;  for  ye  know  neither  the  day  nor  the  hour. 
Verse  13. 


O  Death  !    In  vain  thy  victims  strive 

Thy  coming  to  discern  ! 
Ere  the  dark  mandate  shall  arrive, 

And  dust  to  dust  return. 
Now,  while  to  life's  approaching  end 
Our  thoughts  contemplative  ascend, 

That  mandate  is  not  given  ; 
We  turn  again  to  scenes  of  earth, 
Forgetting  all  save  joy  and  mirth;  — 

Then  sounds  the  call  of  Heaven. 

The  manly  form,  the  noble  mien, 
The  generous  heart  and  free, 

Though  late  among  the  proudest  seen, 
Must  yield,  stern  King!  to  thee. 

Thus,  wont  to  brave  the  strife  or  storm, 

A  chief  with  each  high  feeling  warm 


DUTY    OF    PREPARATION.  155 

The  deck  familiar  trod. 
Beauty  and  mirth  were  all  around, 
When  in  the  bursting  cannon's  sound, 

Was  heard  the  call  of  God.* 

They  fall,  the  noblest  of  the  band, — 

The  chiefs  in  council  tried, — 
The  chosen  guardians  of  the  land, — 

Expiring  side  by  side. 
And  he,  the  gentle  and  the  brave  ! 
If  human  love  from  death  could  save, 

He  had  not  perished  there. 
Now,  o'er  that  form,  in  hopeless  woe, 
The  first  sad  tears  of  childhood  flow, 

Rises  the  widow's  prayer. 

Oh,  when  around  us  life  is  bright, 

When  favoring  breezes  blow, 
And  over  tracks  of  foaminp;  light 

Full  gallantly  we  go, 
Then  let  a  thought  of  that  dark  scene, 
With  its  deep  moral  intervene, 

*  The  catastrophe  on  hoard  the  Steam  Frigate  Princeton,  on  the 
23th  of  February,  1344,  when  six  persons,  including  two  of  the  chief 
officers  of  Government,  were  instantaneously  deprived  of  life,  was  a 
dispensation  of  Providence,  which  seemed  suitable  to  be  thus  ap- 
plied to  the  illustration  of  religious  sentiment.  That  with  such  a 
purpose,  I  have  designated  more  particularly  one  of  the  sufferers, 
with  whom  alone  I  ha  1  enjoyed  any  personal  acquaintance,  —  the 
lamented  Commodore  Kennon,  —  will  not,  I  hope,  be  regarded  as 
unsuitable  to  the  character  of  the  present  work. 


156  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

That  thus  we  still  may  be 
Steadfast,  O  Father !  so  to  live, 
That  when  Thou  callest  we  may  give 

Calmly  our  souls  to  Thee ! 


LXXXIV, 

THE  PHILANTHROPIST. 

Matthew   XXV.  31-46. 

1  was  in  prison,  and  ye  came  unlo  me.  —  Verse  36. 
Verily  I  say  unto  you,  inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of 
the  least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me.— Verse  40. 

O  rock-bound  Isle  of  Albion ! 

A  lofty  fame  is  thine, 
And  o'er  the  world  the  glory  beams 

Of  the  old  Saxon  line ; 
Won  through  successive  ages 

By  deeds  on  land  and  main, 
By  calm-reflecting  sages, 

And  bards  of  magic  strain. 

But  not  a  name,  O  Britain  ! 

Is  thine  of  loftier  worth 
Than  his  who  from  his  pleasant  home 

At  mercy's  call  went  forth, 


THE    PHILANTHROPIST.  157 

Lured  by  no  hopes  of  glory, 

Ambition's  path  to  tread, 
Yet  lives  his  name  in  story, 

The  noblest  of  thy  dead. 

Through  many  a  blooming  region 

The  traveller  held  his  way  ; 
But  not  for  all  their  loveliness 

Did  he  his  course  delay. 
From  gay  Parisian  pleasures, 

Italian  art  and  grace, 
He  turned  to  find  his  treasures 

In  misery's  dwelling  place. 

The  dungeon  of  the  felon, 

By  all  mankind  abhorred, 
Drew  to  its  vaults  of  wretchedness 

The  servant  of  the  Lord. 
He  passed  o'er  land  and  ocean 

In  suffering's  fearful  quest, 
While  every  kind  emotion 

Burned  in  his  dauntless  breast. 

Where  raged  the  fatal  fever, 

In  the  dismal  quarantine, 
He,  in  the  cause  of  God  and  man, 

Unveiled  the  fearful  scene  ; 
The  mortal  danger  braving 

Of  each  polluted  cell, 
From  woe  the  prisoner  saving, 

He  triumphed  though  he  fell. 


158 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

O  God,  who  to  his  spirit 

Didst  give  that  lofty  will, 
Through  pain,  and  toil,  and  banishment, 

His  mission  to  fulfil, — 
Like  Him,  supreme  in  kindness, 

'Who  came  on  earth  to  save, 
To  lighten  human  blindness, 

To  ransom  from  the  grave  !  — 

Grant,  Lord,  to  us  thy  children 

A  soul  of  zeal  and  faith, 
With  holy  love's  prevailing  power, 

To  labor  unto  death; 
To  soften  human  sorrow, 

To  calm  the  trembler's  fear, 
And  point  a  holier  morrow 

In  thy  celestial  sphere. 


JESUS    ANOINTED    AT    BETHANY. 


159 


LXXXV. 
JESUS  ANOINTED  AT  BETHANY. 

Matthew  XXVI.  1-19. 
To  what  purpose  is  this  waste  ?  —  Verse  S. 

"  Why  pour  that  precious  perfume  forth 

Upon  Messiah's  head  ! 
What  is  to  him  the  fragrance  worth, 

In  such  profusion  shed  ? 
Is  he  to  luxury  resigned, 

That  costly  gift  to  need; 
Or  can  his  pure  and  lofty  mind 

The  toys  of  grandeur  heed  ?  " 

So  reasoned,  with  contracted  thought, 

The  followers  of  the  Lord ; 
But  he,  with  holier  wisdom  fraught, 

Reproved  their  censuring  word. 
Did  gratitude  the  gift  impart, 

That  gratitude  he  blest, 
And  loved  the  generous,  feeling  heart, 

That  souo-ht  to  brins:  its  best.* 


*  "  For  Love  delights  to  bring  her  best, 

And  where  Love  is,  the  offering  evermore  is  blest." 

Keble, 


160  LAI'S    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Can  we  to  Christ  no  tribute  bring, 

The  cross  for  us  who  bore ; 
Nor  hail  with  humble  offering 

The  God  whom  we  adore  ? 
That  offering  he  will  not  disdain, 

If  with  true  spirit  given  ; 
Nor  is  the  grateful  thought  in  vain, 

That  the  heart  prompts  for  Heaven. 


JESUS    WASHES    THE    DISCIPLES'    FEET.  161 


LXXXVI. 

JESUS  WASHES  THE  DISCIPLES'  FEET. 

John  XIII. 

Jesus  knowing  that  the  Father  had  given  all  things  into  his  hands, 
and  that  he  was  come  from  God,  and  went  to  God,  he  riseth  from 
supper,  and  laid  aside  his  garments,  and  took  a  towel  and  girded 
himself ;  after  that  he  poureth  water  into  a  bason,  and  began  to  wash 
the  disciples'  feet,  and  to  wipe  them  with  the  towel  wherewith  he 
was  girded.  —  Verses  3,  4, 5. 

In  the  hour  of  meditation, 

When  beneath  the  temple's  shade, 

Emblems  of  the  great  salvation 
On  the  altar  are  displayed  ;  — 

Ere  the  pastor's  voice  hath  spoken 
Of  the  ordinance  divine. 


Ere  the  hallowed  bread  is  broken 
Poured  the  sacramental  wine  :  ■ 


While  the  reverent  crowd  retiring 
Leave  the  solemn  chancel  free, 

Then  my  soul  from  earth  aspiring, 
Saviour  !  rises  unto  thee  ! 

Then  the  scenes  of  distant  ages 
Are  to  Fancy's  vision  brought, 
11 


162  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

As,  of  old,  inspired  sages 

To  the  listening  churches  taught. 

Lo,  around  their  Lord  reclining, 
The  disciples'  band  appear, 

Not  a  heart  but  his  divining 

Trial,  scourge,  and  cross  so  near. 

Yes!  he  knows  his  hour  of  sorrow  ; 

But  the  love  that  conquers  death 
Must,  before  that  fatal  morrow, 

One  last  blessed  gift  bequeath. 

Rising  from  his  honored  station, 
Beaming  with  his  Father's  grace, 

Author  of  the  world's  salvation, 
Lo  !  he  takes  a  menial's  place. 

Then  with  words  of  warm  affection 
Doth  he  teach  his  chosen  flock, 

Comforts  now  their  deep  dejection, 
Leads  them  to  the  Living  Rock. 

Holy  Teacher  !  in  our  weakness, 
When  temptation's  hosts  assail, 

May  the  memory  of  thy  meekness 
O'er  our  spirit's  foes  prevail ! 

May  our  love  be  pure  and  fervent, 
Like  the  love  that  filled  thy  breast, 

Who  didst  stoop  to  be  a  servant, 
That  thy  people  might  be  blest. 


INSTITUTION    OF    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER.  163 


LXXXVII. 

INSTITUTION  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

Luke  XXIT.  15-38. 

This  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  —  Verse  19. 

"Take,  and  eat,"  the  Saviour  said, 
As  he  gave  the  hallowed  bread. 

"  This  be  your  perpetual  token 
Of  my  body,  torn  and  broken. 

"  As  I  pour  this  ruby  wine, 
Must  be  poured  this  blood  of  mine. 
By  that  purple  gushing  tide 
Shall  the  world  be  purified. 

"  Ye  whom  I  so  long  have  loved, 
In  my  trials  faithful  proved, 
Thus  when  I  have  left  your  sight, 
Keep  my  memory  ever  bright." 

Time  passed  on.    The  Saviour's  death 
Sealed  the  triumph  of  his  faith  ; 
And  the  chosen  of  the  Lord 
Treasured  well  his  parting  word. 


164  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

To  their  souls  that  feast  was  dear  ; 
His  mild  voice  they  seemed  to  hear ; 
As  they  shared  the  bread  and  wine, 
Still  they  saw  his  form  divine. 

Many  a  century  hath  fled 

Since  they  slumbered  with  the  dead  ; 

But  as  we  thy  word  fulfil, 

Jesus !  we  behold  thee  still. 

Still  in  sacramental  sign 
As  we  pour  the  hallowed  wine, 
Our  enraptured  spirits  gaze 
On  that  scene  of  ancient  days. 

Lo !  once  more  the  board  is  crowned  ; 
The  disciples  gather  round ; 
See  !  their  hearts  are  sunk  in  woe  ; 
Hark  !  what  words  from  Jesus  flow  ! 

Often  may  our  hearts  unite 
In  this  blest  communion-rite, 
Pledge  of  Christian  love  and  faith, 
Emblem  of  the  Saviour's  death. 


CHRIST    STILL    PRESENT.  165 


LXXXVIII. 

CHRIST  STILL  PRESENT. 

John  XIV. 

I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless  ;  I  will  come  to  you.  —  Verse  18. 

When  amid  his  sad  disciples 
Sat  the  Saviour,  pale  and  calm, 

Seeking,  with  a  brother's  kindness 
Words  that  might  their  grief  disarm ; 

"  Lo,  I  leave  you  not  forever," 

Thus  the  blessed  Teacher  said, 

"  I  will  come  to  you  hereafter, 

Though  I  mingle  with  the  dead." 

Waned  the  night ;  the  early  morning 
Saw  him  bound,  condemned  to  die; 

And  his  people  in  their  sorrow 

Scarce  dared  cast  a  glance  on  high. 

Soon  from  death's  cold  slumber  waking 
Christ  fulfilled  his  parting  word  ; 

Then  was  mourning  changed  to  gladness, 
When  they  saw  their  risen  Lord. 


166  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL, 

Brief  that  meeting  !  Wings  of  angels 
Bore  him  to  his  heavenly  throne ; 

And  his  followers  must  travel 

Henceforth  through  the  world  alone. 

Not  alone  !  He  still  is  with  us  ; 

Still  by  faith  we  see  him  near ; 
In  the  hour  of  sad  foreboding, 

Soft  he  whispers,  "  Do  not  fear." 

When  temptation  lures  to  ruin, 

He  who  broke  the  tempter's  power, 

Still  is  near  his  faithful  servants, 

Guiding  through  the  dangerous  hour. 

When  our  flesh  and  heart  are  failing, 
When  the  gloom  of  death  we  see, 

Conqueror  o'er  the  king  of  terrors  ! 
Saviour  !  may  we  rest  on  thee  ! 


Christ's  love  our  example.  1(>7 


LXXXIX. 

CHRIST'S  LOVE.   OUR  EXAMPLE. 

John  XV. 

This  is  my  commandment,  that  ye  love  one  another,  as  I  have 
loved  you.  —  Verse  12. 

Spirit  of  love,  that  shrined  in  Jesus  shone, 

As  shone  God's  presence  o'er  the  hallowed  ark, 
Thou  glorifiest  all  thou  beamest  on, 

Robing  in  beauty  what  was  cold  and  dark  ; 

And  as  from  one  bright  fire  full  many  a  spark 
Floats  on  the  air,  and  kindling  where  it  falls, 
New  light  and  warmth  from  all  around  it  calls, 

While  awe-struck  crowds  its  course  resistless  mark, 
So,  thou,  supreme  in  loveliness  and  might, 

By  Jesus  brought  on  earth,  from  heart  to  heart 
Rapidly  passing,  fillest  all  with  light 

And  warmth,  and  holiness;  nor  dost  depart, 
But  rising  with  undying  flame  above, 
Point  to  the  throne  of  Him  whose  holiest  name  is  Love. 


163 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


xc. 

PROMISE  OF  THE  COMFORTER. 

John  XVI. 

If  I  go  not  away,  the  Comforter  will  not  come  unto  you.  —  Verse  7. 

Spirit  of  Comfort !  spirit  of  our  God  ! 

Not  while  his  followers  gazed  on  Jesus'  face, 
Not  while  the  Saviour  in  their  circle  trod, 

Could  they  enjoy  the  breathings  of  thy  grace. 
We  cannot  walk  at  once  by  faith  and  sight ; 
Nor  view  the  tranquil  stars,  while  all  around  is  bright. 

Be  welcome  then  the  discipline  of  Heaven  ! 

Father!  if  at  thy  will  our  comforts  die, 
To  thee  be  praises  in  affliction  given, 

And  let  faith  lift  her  humble,  hopeful  eye, 
Shed  down  thy  blessed  influence  on  the  soul, 
And  in  thy  mercy  make  our  spirits  whole. 

Too  bright,  Prosperity,  at  times  thy  ray ! 

Its  enervating  influence,  Lord,  remove  ! 
But  let  the  clouds,  that  dim  our  earthly  day, 

Be  guided  still  by  thy  unchanging  love  ; 
And  whether  dark  or  bright  the  scene  appear, 
Still,  heavenly  Guardian,  may  we  feel  thee  near ! 


CHRIST    PRAYS    FOR    HIS    DISCIPLES. 

But  ah  !  our  timid  hearts  recall  the  prayer  ! 

The  gifts  thou  hast  bestowed  we  fear  to  lose. 
Those  precious  gifts,  O  God  of  mercy,  spare  ! 

But  grant  us  grace  each  blessing  so  to  use, 
That  all  that  fills  these  earthly  scenes  with  Jight, 
May  fit  our  spirits  for  thy  mansions  bright. 


XCI. 

CHRIST  PRAYS  FOR  HIS  DISCIPLES. 

John  XVII. 

Neither  pray  I  for  these  alone,  but  for  them  also  which  shall  be- 
lieve on  me  through  their  word,  that  they  all  may  be  one.  —  Verses 
20,21. 

Was  it  in  vain  that  Jesus  prayed 

For  those  he  came  to  save, 
When  darkly  o'er  his  path  was  laid 

The  shadow  of  the  grave  ? 

Where  is  the  union  that  he  sought  ? 

Look  through  the  world  he  blest; 
Where  wilt  thou  find  the  hallowed  spot 

Where,  dove-like,  peace  may  rest? 


170 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

While  Christian  nations  join  in  strife, 
While  angry  sects  engage, 

While  earth  with  every  crime  is  rife 
Of  lust,  and  fraud,  and  rage, 


Hath  Jesus  loved  and  prayed  in  vain  ? 

O  doubting  heart,  be  still  ! 
Yet  holds  thy  Lord  his  glorious  reign, 

Despite  of  wrong  and  ill. 

Though  nations  in  their  battle  cries 
Profane  the  Almighty's  name  ; 

Though  bigots,  to  the  offended  skies, 
Their  own  wild  wrath  proclaim; 

From  where  the  din  of  conflict  swells, 

Go,  seek  the  quiet  scene, 
Where  unobtrusive  goodness  dwells 

With  gratitude  serene  ; 

Where  poverty  its  daily  prayer 

Of  sweet  contentment  pours  ; 
Where  wealth  relieves,  with  generous  care, 

The  sorrows  it  deplores. 

Thousands,  through  every  Christian  land, 

Have  never  bowed  the  knee 
In  worship  to  the  idol-band 

Of  strife  and  perfidy. 


CHRIST    PRAYS    FOR    HIS    DISCIPLES.  171 

And  these  are  one;  — though  some  may  bend 

Before  the  Virgin's  shrine, 
While  others'  prayers  and  thanks  ascend 

Father  !   alone  at  thine  ; 

Yet  they  are  one ;  if  through  their  hearts 

The  soul  of  love  be  poured, 
As  swells  some  strain  of  various  parts, 

Yet  all  in  sweet  accord. 

Still,  on  his  church,  of  every  name, 

Its  glorious  Lord  looks  down, 
And  each  disciple's  reverent  claim 

Regards  without  a  frown. 

And  still  the  lowly  and  the  pure 

Are  one  with  him  and  thee, 
Thou  who,  through  Jesus,  didst  secure 

Man's  immortality  ! 


172  •        LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XCII. 

PRAYER  IN  THE  GARDEN  OF    GETHSEMANE. 

Matthew  XXVI.  30-56. 

O  my  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me  ;  never- 
theless, not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt.  —  Verse  39. 

Hear  what  Christ  the  Saviour  said, 
When  his  soul,  oppressed  with  dread, 

Sought  his  Father's  aid. 
Cold  drops  on  his  forehead  stood, 
Thick,  like  drops  of  clotted  blood, 

While  the  sufferer  prayed. 

"  O  my  God,  the  hour  is  nigh ! 
I  must  yield  myself  to  die, 

On  the  cross  of  shame. 
Bitter  scourge  and  cruel  steel 
Soon  thy  chosen  one  must  feel 

In  his  mangled  frame. 

"How  shall  nature's  feeble  power 
Calmly  meet  that  awful  hour? 

How,  amid  my  woes, 
Not  a  cry  of  pain  be  heard, 
Not  a  harsh  impatient  word 

To  my  scornful  foes  ? 


PRAYER    IN    THE    GARDEN    OF    GETHSEMANE.      173 

H  Should  I  fail,  — should  aught  be  done 
Lord  !  unworthy  of  thy  Son, 

Wrung  by  bitter  pain  ! 
Then  from  age  to  age  the  shame 
On  Messiah's  cause  and  name 

Ever  would  remain. 

"  Father  !  humbly  I  lay  down 
Here  the  mediatorial  crown, 

If  it  be  thy  will. 
But  if  thou  the  task  require, 
In  the  strength  thou  shalt  inspire, 
I  will  bear  it  still. 

"  Yes  !  my  Father,  thou  art  near  ! 
For  thine  angel,  sent  to  cheer, 

Hails  me  still  thy  Son. 
Now  the  fear  of  scorn  and  pain 
Threat  my  steadfast  soul  in  vain. 

Lord,  thy  will  be  done  !  " 


174 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XCIII. 

PETER'S  DENIAL  OF  CHRIST. 

Luke  XXII.  54-71. 

And  the  Lord  turned,  and  looked  upon  Peter  ;  and  Peter  remem- 
bered the  word  of  the  Lord,  how  he  had  said  unto  him,  Before  the 
cock  crow,  thou  shalt  deny  me  thrice  ;  And  Peter  went  out,  and  wept 
bitterly.  —  Verses  61,  62. 

Weep  not  for  those  in  Christ  who  sleep, 

Within  the  cold  grave's  dreamless  bed; 
Their  rest  is  calm,  and  angels  keep 

Watch  o'er  each  heaven-beloved  head. 
Their  strife  is  closed,  their  crown  is  won, 

To  realms  of  bliss  their  spirits  soar, 
And,  near  their  heavenly  Father's  throne, 

Live  in  his  smile,  to  die  no  more. 

But  weep  for  those,  who  here  below, 

Through  trial's  stormy  ocean  steer  ; 
Who  mid  the  mountain  billows  go, 

By  hope  misled,  or  driven  by  fear  ; 
And  oh,  for  him  in  danger's  hour, 

Whose  heart  hath  sunk,  whose  faith  is  dim, 
Who  falls  before  the  tempter's  power, 

Weep,  child  of  frailty,  weep  for  him. 


peter's  denial  of  christ.  175 

O  champion  of  the  cause  divine ! 

Rock  of  the  church,  by  Jesus  blest ! 
What  heart  and  hand  more  prompt  than  thine 

To  execute  thy  Lord's  behest  ? 
And  hast  thou  fallen  ?   Who  then  shall  stand, 

In  trials  dark  and  stormy  hour? 
The  noblest  of  that  sacred  band, 

The  victim  of  temptation's  power  ! 

O  not  our  strength  alone  can  save. 

To  thee,  Most  Merciful !   we  turn. 
Not  rashly  may  we  danger  brave, 

But  every  fearful  trait  discern. 
Then  fully  armed  in  virtue's  might, 

Our  strength,  our  confidence  in  thee, 
Grant  us,  O  God,  to  dare  the  fight, 

And  give  thy  servants  victory ! 

Yet  may  repentance  raise  her  head  ; 

The  God  of  mercy  heareth  prayer. 
The  tears  the  fallen  disciple  shed 

Were  due  to  grief,  but  not  despair. 
By  Jesus'  glance  to  faith  new-born, 

The  path  of  holiness  he  trod, 
Sustained  the  cross  through  heathen  scorn, 

And  rose,  through  martyrdom,  to  God. 


176  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XCIV. 

JESUS  BEFORE  PILATE. 

John  XVIII.  28,  to  XIX.  17. 

My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.  — xviii.  36. 
Thou  couldst  have  no  power  at  all  against  me,  except  it  were  given 
thee  from  above.  — xix.  11. 

In  Pilate's  hall,  by  scornful  Pharisees 

Surrounded,  and  by  dark-browed  Roman  bands, 
Before  the  procurator's  footstool  stands 

The  Son  of  God,  the  glorious  Prince  of  Peace. 

Alone  he  stands ;  his  followers  all  have  fled ; 
In  mockery  o'er  his  limbs  a  robe  is  thrown 
Of  regal  purple,  and  a  thorny  crown 

Appears  in  scorn  upon  his  sacred  head. 

Calmly  he  speaks  ;  "  From  God  thy  power  proceeds ; 
Without  his  will  thou  canst  not  harm  a  hair 
Upon  my  brow ;  then  patient  will  I  bear 

The  unrighteous  punishment  of  holy  deeds. 

I  am  a  king,  but  not  with  mortal  state." 

He  said,  and  meekly  died,  the  greatest  of  the  great. 

And  oh,  what  majesty  of  power  and  love 

Beamed  o'er  his  sacred  features,  as  he  stood 
Calmly,  amid  the  foes  who  sought  his  blood, 

His  eyes  upturning  to  his  home  above ! 


JESUS    BEFORE    PILATE.  177 

The  haughty  judge  views  with  admiring  gaze, 
And  speaks  him  guiltless  ;  but  the  bigot  crowd 
Demand  their  victim's  death,  with  clamors  loud, 

As  their  malignant  scribes  their  passions  raise. 

Follower  of  Jesus  !  learn  like  him  to  bear 
Unmoved,  the  fury  of  the  blinded  throng. 
The  waves  may  foam  around,  but  be  thou  strong 

And  loving  !  'T  is  thy  hallowed  lot  to  share 

Thy  Master's  sufferings;  thou  shalt  share  his  rest. 

Learn  thou  like  him  to  live,  and  in  thy  death  be  blest. 


12 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XCV. 

THE  CRUCIFIXION. 

Luke  XXIII.  26-49. 

Then  said  Jesus,  Father,  forgive  them;  for  they  know  not  what 
they  do.  —  Verse  34. 

In  the  Saviour's  hour  of  death, 

Bound  upon  the  cross  of  fear, 
While  his  quick  and  struggling  breath 

Spoke  the  fatal  moment  near, 

While  his  proud,  triumphant  foes 

Mocked  the  sufferings  that  he  bore, 
Then  his  loving  spirit  rose 

More  sublime  than  e'er  before. 

He  has  taught  us  to  forgive, 

By  his  words  in  days  gone  by  ; 
He  has  taught  us  how  to  live; 

Can  he  teach  us  how  to  die  I 
Listen !  as  the  cross  they  raise, 

One  brief  prayer  ascends  to  heaven  ; 
For  his  murderers  he  prays  ; 
"  Father,  may  they  be  forgiven  !  " 


THE    CRUCIFIXION.  179 

Then  his  glance  a  felon  turned, 

Suffering  at  the  sufferer's  side, 
And  the  grace  that  others  spurned 

Sought,  nor  was  that  grace  denied. 
Lo  !  there  beams  a  heavenly  smile 

On  the  Saviour's  pallid  face, 
As  his  anguish  for  a  while 

Gives  to  love  and  pity  place. 

But  another,  dearer  claim 

Touched  that  heart  that  beat  so  warm, 
In  a  mother's  holiest  name 

For  that  worn  and  fainting  form. 
Mary,  once  of  angels  blest! 

Was  that  voice  of  anguish  thine? 
Lo  !  his  eyes  upon  thee  rest ; 

Hear  his  words  of  love  divine ! 

Blessed  Lord !    Thy  claim  we  own. 

Not  in  triumph's  loftiest  hour, 
When  the  blind  thy  might  made  known, 

When  the  grave  confessed  thy  power, 
Do  we  feel  our  hearts  subdued 

As  when  thus  we  look  to  thee, 
Mid  the  scoffing  multitude, 

Dying  on  the  accursed  tree ! 


180  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


XCVI. 

"IT  IS  FINISHED." 

John  XIX.  17-42. 

He  said,  It  is  finished ;  and  he  bowed  his  head,  and  gave  up  the 
ghost.  —  Verse  30. 

"  It  is  finished  !  "     Glorious  word, 
From  thy  lips,  our  suffering  Lord ! 
Word  of  high  triumphant  might, 
Ere  thy  spirit  takes  its  flight. 
It  is  finished  !     All  is  o'er ; 
Pain  and  scorn  oppress  no  more. 
Now  no  more,  foreboding  dread 
Shades  the  path  thy  feet  must  tread ; 
No  more  fear  lest  in  thine  hour 
Pain  should  patience  overpower. 
On  the  perfect  sacrifice 
Not  a  stain  of  weakness  lies; 
All  hath  righteously  been  done, 
And  the  world's  salvation  won. 
Champion,  lay  thine  armor  by; 
'T  is  thine  hour  of  victory  ! 
All  thy  toils  are  now  o'erpast; 
Thou  hast  found  thy  rest  at  last. 


"it  is  finished."  181 

Earthly  wrongs  no  more  shall  grieve  thee; 
Heaven  is  opening  to  receive  thee. 
There  the  Everlasting  One 
Owns  and  crowns  his  holy  Son. 
Lift  your  heads,  ye  heavenly  gates ! 
For  his  crown  the  conqueror  waits. 
Welcome  in  the  King  of  glory, 
Hero  of  earth's  loftiest  story, 
Him  who  death  and  hell  o'ercame, 
Heir  of  more  than  human  fame  ! 

Nor  before  thine  eyes  alone 
Rose  the  vision  of  that  throne 
Where  the  viewless  presence  hovers, 
As  the  cloud  the  altar  covers. 
Far  away  through  time's  expanse 
Burst  on  thine  enraptured  glance 
Visions  of  a  world  renewed 
Through  the  offering  of  thy  blood. 
Thousands  to  whose  failing  eyes 
Thine  example's  light  should  rise, 
Giving  in  affliction's  hour 
Part  in  thy  celestial  power ; 
Millions  of  each  different  clime, 
Through  that  sacrifice  sublime 
Brought  to  walk  in  holiness, 
And  their  Father's  love  to  bless ; 
These  appear  before  thy  sight 
In  a  flood  of  heaven's  own  light. 
Did  the  scenes  thy  heart  engage 
Of  the  blest  millennial  age, 


182 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

When  through  all  the  ransomed  world 
War's  red  banner  shall  be  furled, 
When  the  slave  shall  pine  no  more, 
Nor  the  dungeon's  iron  door 
Close  upon  a  human  form, 
But  the  heart,  with  virtue  warm, 
Everywhere  its  tribute  raise 
In  one  song  of  boundless  praise; 
While  the  love  thy  life  hath  taught, 
The  salvation  thou  hast  wrought, 
On  the  wide  and  glorious  earth 
Shall  bestow  its  second  birth  ? 

But  before  that  vision's  close, 
Yet  another  scene  arose, 
All  to  whom  thy  death  should  be 
Means  of  immortality, 
Millions  countless  as  the  sand 
Strewn  on  Joppa's  sea-beat  strand, 
Each  an  heir  of  endless  life 
Through  thy  conquest  in  the  strife, 
Hymn  their  songs  of  praise  to  thee. 
—  Glorious  spirit !     Thou  art  free  ! 
Thou  hast  bowed  thy  kingly  head  ; 
Earth's  one  stainless  soul  is  fled. 


THE    RESURRECTION.  183 


XCVII. 

THE  RESURRECTION. 

Matthew  XXVIII. 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  descended  from  heaven,  and  came  and  roll- 
ed back  the  stone  from  the  door,  and  sat  upon  it.  — Verse  2. 

And  thou  art  laid  to  rest 

Within  earth's  gloomy  breast, 
Revealer  to  the  earth  of  truth  divine ! 

Not  by  thy  words  alone 

Making  thy  Father  known, 
But  his  pure  spirit  beaming  forth  in  thine. 

Now  thine  exulting  foes 

Around  thy  deep  repose 
Arrange  their  guards,  and  seal  the  massive  stone. 

Vain  is  their  prudence  here; 

It  but  reveals  more  clear 
The  awakening  glory  of  God's  holy  Son. 

With  noon-tide  lustre  bright, 

Breaking  the  gloom  of  night, 
Descends  a  messenger  from  higher  spheres; 

The  keepers  shake  with  dread, 

While  he,  so  lately  dead, 
Forth  from  the  tomb  in  majesty  appears. 


184  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Saviour!  what  thoughts  were  thine, 

When  at  that  call  divine 
Beamed  on  thine  eyes  the  angelic  radiance  first? 

Can  mortal  fancy  dare 

To  image  forth  the  prayer 
Of  thankfulness  and  joy  that  from  thee  burst  ? 

"Glory  to  thee,  my  God  ! 

Now  is  the  pathway  trod 
Through  pain  and  death  ;  the  fearful  strife  is  won. 

Now,  the  dark  stream  passed  o'er, 

Upon  the  peaceful  shore 
I  rest,  the  task  of  earth's  redemption  done." 

O  venturous  fancy,  cease ! 

Can  words  describe  the  peace, 
The  holy  rapture  of  the  victor's  heart? 

Not  that  the  joys  of  heaven 

At  once  to  him  were  given; 
Not  yet  his  hour  had  come  from  earth  to  part. 

But  to  his  loving  breast, 

To  know  that  man  was  blest, 

That  the  great  sacrifice  was  now  complete,  — 
This  was  a  loftier  prize 
Than  when  the  opening  skies 

Revealed  the  glories  of  his  heavenly  seat. 

Saviour  !  when  on  our  sight 
Bursts  that  mysterious  light, 
Now  darkly  hidden  by  the  veil  of  death, 


JESUS    APPEARS    TO    HIS    DISCIPLES.  1S5 

O  may  such  holy  joy 
Our  spirits'  powers  employ, 
As  love  divine  fulfils  the  word  of  faith. 


XCYIIT. 

JESUS  APPEARS  TO   HIS  DISCIPLES. 

Luke  XXIV.  13-35. 

Did  not  our  heart  burn  within  us,  while  he  talked  with  us  by  the 
and  while  he  opened  to  us  the  scriptures  J  —  Verse  32. 

Hath  not  thy  heart  within  thee  burned 

At  evening's  calm  and  holy  hour, 
As  if  its  inmost  depths  discerned 

The  presence  of  a  loftier  power? 

Hast  thou  not  heard,  mid  forest  glades, 
While  ancient  rivers  murmured  by, 

A  voice  from  forth  the  eternal  shades, 
That  spake  a  present  Deity  ! 

And  as  upon  the  sacred  page, 

Thine  eye  in  rapt  attention  turned 

O'er  records  of  a  holier  age, 

Hath  not  thy  heart  within  thee  burned  ? 


186  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

It  was  the  voice  of  God,  that  spake 

In  silence  to  thy  silent  heart, 
And  bade  each  worthier  thought  awake, 

And  every  dream  of  earth  depart. 

As  they  who  once  with  Jesus  trod, 

With  kindling  breast  his  accents  heard, 

But  knew  not  that  the  Son  of  God 
Was  uttering  every  burning  word  ;  — 

Father  of  Jesus !  thus  thy  voice 

Speaks  to  our  hearts  in  tones  divine; 

Our  spirits  tremble  and  rejoice, 

But  know  not  that  the  voice  is  thine. 

Still  be  thy  hallowed  accents  near ! 

To  doubt  and  passion  whisper  peace; 
Direct  us  on  our  journey  here, 

Then  bid,  in  heaven,  our  wanderings  cease. 


Christ's  charge  to  peter.       187 


XCIX. 

CHRIST'S  CHARGE  TO  PETER. 

John  XXI. 

He  saith  unto  him  the  third  lime,  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou 
me?  Peter  was  grieved,  because  he  said  unto  him  the  third  time, 
Lovest  thou  me  ?  And  he  said  unto  him,  Lord,  thou  knowest  all 
things  ;  thou  k  no  west  that  I  love  thee.  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Feed 
my  sheep.  —  Verse  17. 

When  the  gracious  Benefactor 

In  the  hall  of  judgment  stood, 
Not  an  eye  of  pity  near  him, 

Mid  the  foes  who  sought  his  blood,  — 
When  a  deeper  pang  was  given 

To  his  torn  and  bleeding  breast, 
As  he  heard  that  dark  denial 

From  a  friend  his  love  had  blessed, — 

Was  his  sin  without  its  guerdon, 

Who  denied  his  Master's  name  ? 
No;  one  look  of  speechless  feeling 

Filled  his  heart  with  grief  and  shame. 
But  when  Jesus,  slain  and  risen, 

Stood  by  Galilee's  calm  sea, 
Simple  words,  but  gently  serious, 

Spake  his  pardon,  "  Lovest  thou  me?" 


188  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

O  when  we,  our  wrongs  resenting, 

In  vindictive  strife  engage, 
Let  us,  Lord,  by  thee  instructed, 

Learn  to  check  unhallowed  rage. 
Let  us  conquer  sin  with  kindness, 

Let  us  vanquish  hate  with  love; 
Each  to  each  that  mercy  showing 

Which  we  seek  from  God  above. 

Thus,  O  Father  !   art  thou  dealing 

With  thy  children  day  by  day, 
Bounties  plenteously  dispensing 

Even  o'er  the  offender's  way. 
We  have  sinned  ;  —  we  ask  forgiveness ;  — 

Father,  lo !  we  kneel  to  thee. 
Thou,  O  Lord  !  in  mercy  nearest, 

Only  asking,  Love  ye  me? 

Love  we  thee,  All-gracious  Father? 

Love  we  thee,  our  Saviour  Lord? 
O  might  all  our  life's  devotion 

Fitting  proof  of  love  afford. 
And  a  proof  5t  is  ours  to  render ; 
"If  ye  love  me,  feed  my  sheep." 
May  we  strive,  O  blessed  Master, 

Faithfully  thy  charge  to  keep ! 

11  Feed  my  sheep;  "  —  where  sorrow  presses, 

Willing  meet  its  lowly  claim. 
"Feed  my  sheep;" — on  human  blindness 

Shed  the  light,  through  Christ  that  came. 


Christ's  charge  to  peter.  189 

Feed  my  lambs;"  —  to  Jesus'  presence 

Let  the  young  and  pure  be  led ; 
Let  their  yet  unsullied  spirits 

Banquet  on  the  living  bread. 

As  of  old  thy  great  apostle, 

By  a  life  of  toil  and  faith, 
Showed  his  ardent  soul's  devotion, 

Till  he  met  a  martyr's  death; 
So  may  we,  exalted  Saviour  ! 

Strive  to  feed  thy  flock  in  love, 
Till  the  hour  shall  come  to  gather 

Us  too  to  thy  flock  above. 


190 


LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 


C. 

THE   ASCENSION. 
Luke  XXIV.  36-53. 

And  it  came  to  pass  while  he  blessed  them,  he  was  parted  from 
them,  and  carried  up  into  heaven.  —  Verse  51. 

O  radiant  angel-choir ! 

When  the  great  Conqueror  came, 
How  rung  each  consecrated  lyre 

To  hail  his  car  of  flame ! 

Up  through  the  arch  of  blue 

That  crowned  the  olive  grove, 
On  wheels  of  victory  he  flew, 

To  reach  his  throne  above. 

Enter  thy  kingdom,  Lord  ! 

The  eternal  gates  unfold, 
And  praise  from  earth  and  heaven  is  poured 

As  once  in  days  of  old, 

When  the  first  anthem  rung 

From  mount,  and  vale,  and  plain, 
And  when  the  stars  of  morning  sung 

Their  high  harmonious  strain. 


THE    ASCENSION. 

Praise  to  Messiah's  name, 
The  conqueror  of  the  grave ! 

His  hallowed  praise  let  all  proclaim, 
Who  peace  and  freedom  gave. 
Praise  him,  ye  chosen  band, 
Who  watch  his  path  of  light ; 

And  ye,  who  near  the  Almighty  stand, 
In  changeless  glory  bright ! 

Ye  prophets,  who  of  old, 

By  solemn  vision  taught, 
The  coming  blessedness  foretold, 

Now  by  the  Saviour  brought; 

Ye  holy  dead,  who  prayed 

To  see  his  glorious  day, 
Now  be  your  vows  of  rapture  paid, 

Raise  your  exulting  lay  ! 

Praise,  Judah,  praise  thy  king! 

To  thee  the  holy  came. 
Yet  shall  thy  voice  his  goodness  sing ; 

Thy  faith  shall  own  his  name. 

Yet  shalt  thou  bless  that  cross 

Thine  own  rejection  gave, 
And  own  all  other  wealth  but  dross 

For  him  who  died  to  save. 

Ye  Gentiles,  lift  your  voice  ! 
In  darkness  long  ye  lay; 
Now  in  the  light  of  truth  rejoice, 
And  praise  to  Jesus  pay. 


191 


192  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

Ye  islands  of  the  seas  ! 
Ye  nations  of  the  West ! 
Swell  forth  your  songs  on  every  breeze, 
To  speak  your  Saviour  blest ! 

Thou  heaven,  in  rapturous  shout, 

The  jubilee  prolong ! 
Ye  chiming  spheres,  again  ring  out 

The  universal  song  ! 

Ye  angels,  who  rejoice 

Above  one  rescued  soul, 
Now  from  each  glowing  seraph's  voice 

Let  strains  of  triumph  roll ! 

And  Thou,  Supreme  o'er  all, 

Eternal  and  alone, 
Who  lookest  on  this  earthly  ball 

From  thine  unchanging  throne  ! 

By  thine  almighty  hand 

The  crown  of  love  is  given  ; 
Christ  in  thy  glory  takes  his  stand, 

Obeyed  in  earth  and  heaven. 


CONCLUSION.  193 


CONCLUSION. 

'T  is  o'er ;  the  harp  of  Judah  trembles  still, 

Waked  by  the  touch  of  my  adventurous  hand. 
Its  solemn  tones  within  my  bosom  thrill 

Like  music  wafted  from  the  spirit-land. 

Now  as  they  fainter  breathe,  abashed  I  stand, 
Lest  my  rash  zeal  have  wronged  that  harp  sublime, 

Whose  chords  are  hallowed  by  the  glorious  band 
Of  prophets  and  of  bards  from  earliest  time. 
To  mix  uncalled  with  these,  were  scarcely  less  than 
crime. 

But  I  have  listened  to  yon  Vesper  strain* 
Till  my  own  heart  was  kindled  into  praise; 

And  caught,  as  from  some  dim  ancestral  fane, 
The  organ-tones  of  Keble's  solemn  lays;t 
And  felt  a  holy  power  my  spirit  raise 

In  the  rich  music  of  Life's  glorious  Psalm :  f 
And  many  a  prophet-voice  of  former  days 

Blended  its  awful  strains,  intense  but  calm, 

Of  power  to  conquer  pain,  and  death  itself  disarm. 

*  Bowring's  "  Matins  and  Vespers." 

t  Keble's  "  Christian  Year." 

t  Longfellow's  "  Voices  of  the  Night." 

13 


194  LAYS    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

What  wonder  then,  that  I  have  dared  to  breathe 

A  fainter  echo  of  those  hallowed  tones; 
A  wild-flower  chaplet  for  that  shrine  to  wreathe 

So  rich  with  orient  gold  and  precious  stones? 

Not  mine  the  praise,  like  those  exalted  ones, 
To  thrill  with  words  of  fire  the  raptured  age ; 

Yet  if  thy  grace,  O  Lord  !  the  tribute  owns, 
A  blessing  may  attend  this  humble  page. 
Without  thee,  vain  the  toil  of  patriot,  bard,  or  sage. 


JAMES  MUNROE  AND  COMPANY 

ARE    PUBLISHERS    OF 

PLEASANT  MEMORIES   OF   PLEASANT  LANDS. 

By  Mrs.  L.  H.  SIGOURNEY. 

ILLUSTRATED   BY   TWO   ENGRAVINGS   ON   STEEL. 

16mo.  Cloth,  gilt. 

"  This  little  volume  is  marked  by  the  same  characteristics  that 
distinguish  the  fair  author's  preceding  productions  —  an  easy,  grace- 
ful, and  often  felicitous  flow  of  versification  —  a  pure  or  elevated 
strain  of  thought  and  feeling,  and  an  entire  freedom  from  the  affecta- 
tion which  forms  the  besetting  sin  of  the  rising  generation  of  Poets." 

—  Boston  Daily  Advertiser. 

"  Out  of  her  Pleasant  Memories  of  Pleasant  Lands.  Mrs.  Sigourney 
has  made  quite  a  pleasant  book.  She  pours  out  poetry  with  the 
same  facility  apparently  as  prose.  But  whether  she  employs  blank 
verse,  rhyme,  or  simple  prose,  she  gives  utterance  to  those  kindly 
feelings  and  that  pure  sentiment  that  find  a  ready  echo  in  the 
bosoms  of  all."  —  Christian  Examiner. 

"  It  has  all  the  charms  which  characterize  the  works  of  William 
Howitt,  besides  its  poetical  illustrations  of  some  of  the  most  roman- 
tic spots  known  over  the  wide  earth."  —  Christian  Register. 

"  We  have  read  this  volume  with  interest,  and  although  the  author 
has  not  indeed  (as  she  forewarns  us)  led  us  into  new  paths  in  the 
old  world,  yet  she  has  contrived,  by  her  very  agreeable  variety  of 
prose  and  verse  scattered  along  the  way,  to  invest  former  acquaint- 
ances with  much  that  is  new  and  entertaining.  She  has  apostro- 
phized, in  different  metres,  many  of  the  places  she  visited,  and  her 
poetry,  as  is  with  her  invariably  the  case,  is  instructive  and  moral." 

—  Boston  Recorder. 

"  The  beautiful  gleanings  of  such  a  mind  as  Mrs.  Sigourney,  and 
<the  more  beautiful  arrangements  in  such  a  volume,  are  priceless. 
Carpere  et  collegere  '  belongs  to  few." —  United  States  Gazette. 

"  These  memories  of  the  lands  visited  by  the  author  are  truly 
pleasant.  She  scarcely  passes  a  spot  of  any  interest  in  France  or 
England,  without  bestowing  upon  it  a  few  verses  from  her  fluent 
pen.  These  are  interspersed  with  passages  of  agreeable  description 
and  narrative  in  prose."  —  New  York  Evening-  Post. 

"  It  would  be  difficult  for  me  to  express  the  pleasure  with  which  I 
first  looked  at,  and  then  immediately  went  through,  the  beautiful 
duodecimo  of  Mrs.  Sigourney,  —  her  '  Pleasant  Memories  of  Pleas- 
ant Lands.'  The  typographical  execution  is  matter  of  pride  ;  both 
prose  and  verse  resemble  honey  of  roses,  —  delicacv.  sweetness  ;  the 
kindest  extract  of  the  be<t  of  objects  and  purest  o"f  sentiments."  — 
Philadelphia  National  Gazette. 


JAMES    MUNROE    AND    CO.  S    PUBLICATIONS. 

PIERPONT'S    POEMS. 

THE   AIRS   OF  PALESTINE,  with   other  Poems.    By 
John  Pierpojst.     16mo.  Plates.  Cloth,  neat. 

"  Mr  Pierpont  has  long  been  regarded  as  one  of  the  best  poets 
which  this  country  has  produced,  if  not  the  best,  —  and  his  writings 
have  been  justly  admired  in  this  country  and  in  Europe,  by  all  who 
could  distinguish  between  tinsel  and  gold,  —  between  the  dull  and 
false  glitter  of  the  counterfeit  gem,  and  the  pure  and  sparkling  brill- 
iancy of  the  true  one.  Many  of  these  poems  contain  all  the  feeling, 
the  beauty,  the  richness  of  genuine  poetry, —  and  what  is  more,  they 
are  all  of  an  elevated  and  pure  character,  —  some  are  moral,  some 
are  patriotic,  some  are  devotional,  but  all  are  calculated  to  interest 
the  feelings,  charm  by  the  strength  and  purity  of  language,  and  im- 
prove the  character  of  man."  —  Boston  Mercantile  Journal. 

"  The  appearance  of  this  volume  will  be  hailed  with  unmingled 
satisfaction  by  every  lover  of  genuine  poetry.  Without  making  any 
invidious  comparison,  we  may  remark,  that  in  dignity  and  force  of 
language,  Mr.  Pierpont  has  no  superior  among  living  writers  ;  and 
his  manly  independence  of  thought  is  displayed  as  often  in  his  verse 
as  in  the  eloquent  pulpit  discourses  which"  have  won  for  him  the 
high  reputation  which  he  enjoys  as  a  moralist  and  a  divine.'-"  — 
New  Yorker. 


Translated  from  Uhland,  Korner,  Eurger,  and  other  German 

Lyric  Poets.     With  Notes.     Bv  Charles  T.  Brooks. 

12mo.  pp.  360. 

"  In  this  volume  we  have  presented  to  us  a  string  of  beautiful 
pearls.  We  think  the  volume  well  worthy  a  place  among  the  se- 
lected poetry  of  the  day." —  Christian  Review. 

"  Mr.  Brooks,  by  this  volume  of  translations,  has  done  a  good 
service  not  only  to  the  friends  of  German  literature,  but  to  all  lovers 
of  genuine  poetry.  In  these  pages,  those  persons  who  are  so  fond 
of  calling  Germany  the  land  of  shadows,  and  of  stigmatizing  its  lit- 
erature as  alike  mystical  in  thought  and  awkward  in  expression,  may 
find  proof  enough  of  their  own  ignorance.  Here  we  have  a  body  of 
Lyric  Poetry,  breathing  the  healthiest  thought  and  the  noblest  sen- 
timent, illustrating  in  language  at  once  simple  and  melodious,  all  the 
great  spheres  of  life,  —  whether  the  church  or  the  nation  —  the  altar 
or  the  hattle-fiekl,  —  the  wild  hunt  or  the  calm  home  ;  speaking  to 
the  English  as  well  as  the  German  heart  of  the  joys  and  griefs,  the 
hopes  and  fears,  the  triumphs  and  the  disappointments,  which  the 
Lyric  muse  loves  to  celebrate."  —  Providence  Journal. 


